Ja’Marr Chase isn’t highest-rated rookie WR in ‘Madden NFL 22’

One would think Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase would be the highest-rated rookie receiver in the upcoming “Madden NFL 22” from EA Sports.

Apparently not.

Despite being the first wide receiver off the board courtesy of the fifth overall pick, Chase ranked behind Miami Dolphins rookie wideout Jaylen Waddle, the sixth pick of the draft.

Chase checks in with a rating of 75 (tied for fifth among all rookies) while Waddle gets a 76 (tied for third). Sounds like a small difference, but it’s hard to see just why the first receiver off the board wouldn’t be the highest-ranked.

After all, Chase was downright jaw-dropping alongside Burrow in 2019, posting 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns. Waddle was very, very good too, but it sure seemed like the consensus was Chase was the better prospect.

Regardless, Chase has a chance from the very jump to boost his ratings well beyond Waddle’s once the season gets started.

The top rookie ratings in #Madden22 pic.twitter.com/JEcQgMZCzq

— Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 25, 2021