4. Safety Tracy Walker
Madden 21 labeled Walker as a strong safety in their ratings reveals, but that may not be the most accurate portrayal of his position. He can play all over the defensive backfield but his most prominent position in 2019 was free safety if memory serves.
Regardless, an overall rating of 77 for Walker is not a fair rating as his play over 13 games was mostly phenomenal. He deserves at least an 80 overall grade for his efforts and his total tackles of more than 100 in 2019 reflect that. Not only was he an active tackling machine, but he was able to make plays on the ball when it came his way.
Last year, Walker defended eight passes and intercepted one in just 13 games. Given three more games it’s entirely plausible he reaches 120+ tackles, 10+ passes defended and another interception or two added to his belt.
His ability to be involved on every level of the field and his relentlessness as a defender make him an important member of the Lions defense. His on-field play and impact should have gotten him an 80 overall grade, but the Madden game makers once again fumble the ball here.
Recap
Despite many more players being slightly underrated, the group of Stafford, Golladay, Ragnow, and Walker stood out among the rest as the most disrespected players on the Lions. No doubt others should have received a boost in individual areas or even to their overall grades, but none as much as these four. When Madden 22 rolls around, look for these four players to have received a considerable rise in their ratings this time next year.
Which players did you feel should have been given a higher rating? On the other end of the spectrum, which players did you feel were perhaps given too much credit by the Madden brass? Drop your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below and share who you think should have been rated differently!