Green Bay Packers rookie Christian Watson might need some development on franchise mode before he’s a game-changing virtual player on “Madden NFL 23.”
The popular video game franchise released player ratings for wide receivers on Monday, and Watson – the Packers’ highest pick at the position since 2002 – will be a 71 overall at launch.
Watson, at 6-4, has 93 speed, 94 acceleration, 85 agility, 89 jumping, 77 catching, 73 break tackle, 85 change of direction and 77 spectacular catch.
Among Packers receivers, Watson has the best speed and acceleration, the fifth-best agility and second-best jumping – making him the best athlete at the position in Green Bay entering 2022. That’s no surprise given how he dominated the combine during the predraft and ended up as one of the best overall athletes the draft has ever seen at receiver.
Virtually, Watson’s combination of size and athleticism could make him a dangerous deep threat, which is what the Packers are expecting from him early in his NFL career. He has 76 deep route running.
Watson, at 71 overall, is the fourth-best receiver on the Packers roster by rating, trailing Sammy Watkins (79), Randall Cobb (78) and Allen Lazard (77). Fellow rookies Romeo Doubs and Samori Toure come in at 67 and 66 overall, respectively.
Also of note: former Packers receiver Davante Adams remained in the “99 Club.” He’s the highest-rated receiver in the game.
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