Cam Ward Ties Vick for Lowest No. 1 Madden Rating

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, received a Madden NFL 26 rookie rating of 71 or 72, tying Michael Vick's 2001 score for the lowest ever given to a top pick. The rating has drawn criticism from fans and analysts, including Robert Griffin III, who called Ward 'the most disrespected No. 1 overall pick ever' due to both the low score and limited media attention. Ward's rating places him behind several rookies, even a teammate, and is lower than other recent top picks. Ward remains focused on proving himself on the field, undeterred by the controversy. Observers emphasize that Madden ratings do not predict NFL success, noting past players who exceeded early expectations. As the Titans start a rebuild, Ward is slated to begin as the team's starting quarterback in Week 1.