Year after year, Madden NEVER gets the 99 overalls correct. Well I shouldn’t say never, but rarely do they get the 99 overalls correct. They gatekeep the club and don’t name enough players a 99 overall which is probably my main issue with EA and Madden. Going into the 2022-2023 season, I feel that there are eight players worthy of a 99 overall rating.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes

Mahomes was a 99 overall last season, and while he didn’t win MVP or make the Super Bowl, I still think he’s the best QB in the NFL. He has great mobility and a rocket of an arm. He also still has the leagues second best tight end in Travis Kelce. Last season, he passed for 4,839 yards and 37 touchdowns. It really feels like a no brainer to have him as a 99.

Raiders WR Davante Adams

This is another easy one. Adams runs crisp routes, has great hands, and wins just about every matchup he faces. While he won’t be with Aaron Rodgers this season, he rekindles his college relationship with Derek Carr in Las Vegas. They already have great chemistry and Carr has one of the best arms in the league. Don’t be shocked if he has the best year of his career in 2022-2023. He’s already secured a spot in the 99 club, so I don’t have to do too much battling for him.

49ers OT Trent Williams

He’s mean, he’s quick, and he’s the best offensive lineman in the NFL. It’s about time EA shows some respect to offensive linemen. He’s another guy that already locked up his spot in the 99 club, and deservingly so. Williams is the first 99 overall offensive lineman since Walter Jones in 2007. He posted a 97.8 PFF grade last year and only allowed one sack on a schedule where he had to face Leonard Floyd, Harold Landry, Sam Hubbard, Chandler Jones, Josh Allen, and Khalil Mack.

Colts OG Quenton Nelson

When it comes to offensive linemen, it’s 1A and 1B with Trent Williams and Quenton Nelson. While Nelson had a “down season” last year due to injury, he still only allowed 1 sack. He faced Aaron Donald, Christian Barmore, Vita Vea, Jeffery Simmons, and Arik Armstead and still dominated. Nelson pulls with such ferocity and is unmatched in the run game. Nelson played a huge part in Jonathan Taylor’s big 2021 season.

Rams DT Aaron Donald

Much like how Billy Joel has permanent residency at Madison Square Garden, Aaron Donald should have permanent residency in the 99 club. I mean the guy made 84 tackles and 12.5 sacks from an interior defensive line position last season, which is essentially unheard of. Donald has been a 99 overall the past 5 seasons, and I think he’ll be a 6 timer in Madden 23.

Browns DE Myles Garrett

Garrett just received his first 99 overall nod for Madden 23, and I think that it’s very deserving. While he’s less of a finesse edge rusher and more of a power pass rusher, he’s the best there is at his craft. He uses his power moves like bull rush and long arms to his advantage and makes offensive tackles pay. Last season, Garrett tallied 51 tackles and 16 sacks with 17 tackles for loss. I think he’s the second best defender in his division, and the guy he’s behind won DPOY last season.

Steelers OLB T.J. Watt

A lot of bonehead Steelers fans want T.J. Watt to be the lone edge rusher that’s a 99 overall. Mainly, they’re more upset that Myles Garrett made the 99 club over Watt. I think that there is room for both players in the club. When you look at Garretts powerful play style, it’s a lot different than Watts. Watt can drop in coverage, rush the passer with finesse, and play the run. Last season he was named DPOY after making 64 tackles with 22.5 sacks. Madden gave him a 96 overall rating in Madden 23 which to me is absolute crap. He dominated last season and should be in the exclusive 99 club.

Rams CB Jalen Ramsey

Much like Aaron Donald, there isn’t much to say about Jalen Ramsey. He’s the best of the best at his position. Ramsey was a 99 overall last season along with his teammate Donald, and he only elevated his play. He made 77 tackles, 4 interceptions, and broke up 16 passes. No other cornerback in the NFL could hold Ramsey’s jock. Ramsey should be a lock for back-to-back 99 overall ratings.