EA Sports has continued releasing rankings for the top rated players in Madden 15. Thursday, EA Sports listed the top free safeties in the NFL, and Donny Moore made a somewhat surprising choice for the top player.
Jairus Byrd of the New Orleans Saints is listed as the top free safety, narrowly edging out Earl Thomas III of the Seattle Seahawks. The top 5 free safeties are listed below.
1) Jairus Byrd (New Orleans Saints) – 96 Overall
2) Earl Thomas III (Seattle Seahawks) – 95 Overall
3) Devin McCourty (New England Patriots) – 94 Overall
4) Eric Weddle (San Diego Chargers) – 94 Overall
5) Charles Woodson (Oakland Raiders) – 86 Overall
The choice of Byrd over Thomas is slightly surprising based on the respect that everyone has for Thomas. He is regarded as the heart of Seattle’s defense and the premiere free safety. Of course, Byrd is no slouch either. His ability to defend and intercept passes makes him deserving of a top 5 ranking.
The strangest choice in the top 5 is Charles Woodson of the Oakland Raiders. Woodson has been a fantastic player for many years, but he is in the twilight of his career with diminishing skills. Dashon Goldson, Antrel Rolle, and Antoine Bethea may not have the career accolades, but they have a lot more time left in their careers.
How do you feel about the ranking difference between Byrd and Thomas? Did your favorite free safety make the list?
Madden 15 will be released August 26.
