As August begins, Madden NFL 25 player ratings are being released by EA Sports, sparking both excitement and frustration among fans.
For Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce, his rating of 72 overall has left many puzzled, including Raiders supporters. This score ranks him 38th among right defensive ends, which seems unusually low for a player of his caliber. Despite Koonce’s limited playtime in past seasons, his performance last year suggested he deserved a higher rating.
To put this into perspective, other players with similar or less experience have been rated higher. For example, Philadelphia Eagles’ Nolan Smith Jr., who played only 203 defensive snaps as a rookie, is rated one point higher than Koonce. Even more perplexing is former Raider Clelin Ferrell receiving a 76 overall rating, despite Koonce arguably outperforming him.
The most frustrating comparison for Raiders fans might be Tyree Wilson, who, despite being expected to play behind Koonce this season, is rated 73 overall—one point higher. This discrepancy raises questions about the logic behind these ratings.
While video game ratings may seem trivial, they do reflect perceptions of player abilities. In Koonce’s case, many believe EA Sports has underestimated him. His rating places him in a category with rookies and unproven players, far from where his stats suggest he should be.
Despite being just a video game, these ratings can influence how fans and the wider sports community view a player’s value.
