Madden NFL 19 Player Ratings: Top 5 RBs
Something unique about the top 5 RBs class for Madden 19. There are three Player Archetypes for running backs. All members of the top five fall into the Elusive Back Archetype.
The focus on the ground is all about stick skills and ball carrier moves. Speed is not the ultimate factor anymore (cue flashbacks of Madden 11’s 99 OVR Chris Johnson). Case and point, there are 10 RBs in Madden faster than the ones listed here. While anything faster is nice to have, it’s the ability these players possess that can be a real game changer in the right hands. With that said, let’s rush into the top five RBs in Madden NFL 19.
1. Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
96 OVR
Proof that Speed isn’t the instant win it was before. Bell, the top RB in the Madden 19, is the slowest of the top five. So, what makes him so effective in game? It’s his ball carrier moves. Those clock in with a 90 Trucking, 92 Stiff Arm, 90 Spin, and 96 Juke. Not only is the Juke score the best among RBs, he’s the only back with a 90+ for each ball carrier move. If you want to work on your stick skills, Bell is your answer.
2. David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals
93 OVR
It’s going to be great to see DJ back on the field again. If I’m a fan of anything, it’s a running back that can run and catch. While not a receiving back per se, his 78 Catch rating is the best in the top five. His 93 Elusiveness also tops the list. His 92 Speed is noticeably above Bell’s 90, but you lose a little something with the moves, namely, his Spin drops down to 83. But the clutch part here with DJ is his Route Running, 81 Short and 74 Med, making him arguably the best pass catcher on this list.
3. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
92 OVR
Zeke is closer to a pure rusher compared to the other five elites. His 71 Catch rating is the lowest, and his Route Running numbers aren’t any better. Move wise, consider him DJ with a better Spin (86) and lesser Truck (79). His 95 Agility matches Bell’s with a 92 Speed, and an 89 Carrying rating, the best on the list.
4. Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams
92 OVR
Welcome to Club 90 plus Gurley. After starting last season at an 85 OVR, Gurley takes his rightful place among the top RBs in the class after a stellar 2017 season. His base ratings pretty much match Zeke’s but are more balanced with his moves. An 84 Trucking, 89 Stiff Arm, 83 Spin, and 90 Juke gives Gurley all he needs to be one of the best backs in Madden.
5. Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons
91 OVR
Freeman rounds out the top five. His ball moves are solid – just a 74 Stiff Arm, but that’s balanced with a 95 Juke, which is second only to Bell’s 96 among RBs. He’s reliable all around, and his 76 Spectacular Catch is best in this group as well.
Honorable Mentions
The Atlanta Falcons remain blessed with the best pair of RBs of any team in Madden. Tevin Coleman’s 94 Speed is the fastest among RBs with at least an 80 OVR. If you’re starting a new dynasty in Franchise once you get Madden 19, trade for Coleman as he’s an easy backfield upgrade for a lot of teams.
-Daniel Williams (Follow Dan on Twitter @thatDanW)
Madden NFL 19 launches August 10. Pre-order the Hall of Fame Edition for three-day Early Access and loads of MUT content. Stay in the conversation by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and EA Forums. Sign up for the Newsletter today to receive updates on Madden, and other EA news, products, and events, all season long.
