Dan Orlovsky explains why Stefon Diggs is the best wide receiver of the NFL. (1:13).All 32 NFL teams have started training camps this week. This means Madden NFL 22 season has almost arrived. The video game's 2018 version will be available worldwide on August 20.After five players made it last year, who will be joining the 99 Club? These players will be announced on ESPN's Get Up each morning, while the Top 10 players from various positions will be discussed on NFL Live, SportsCenter, and First Take. Madden NFL 22 will feature Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady as the cover.We'll be looking at the best-rated receivers and running backs, as well as quarterbacks, defensive linemen, and defensive backs throughout the week. Friday, 7 p.m. ET ET on ESPN, watch the SportsCenter special breaking down ratings, featuring Louis Riddick (interview) and Mina Kimes (reporting additional ratings).Wide receiversThis position remains one of the most competitive in NFL, and is one of the closest races based upon Madden ratings. Any of the six top receivers could be ranked No. 1. Overall in this year's match.It really comes down to personal preference when it comes gaming. Tyreek Hill is the best choice for speed. 1 (99 speed). Michael Thomas is a great choice if you like big-bodied receivers. Do you need guys who can do the impossible? DeAndre Hopkins and Julio Jones are two eye-popping options.Do you want a great route-runner? Stefon Diggs and Davante Adams are the best, especially on medium routes. Like in the real league there is a guy for every preference.For the third consecutive year, a new Madden receiver is at the top.1. Davante Adams (Packers, 99 overall): Adams leaps five points over last season's launch ratings to take the top spot. He was No. He was No. 5 last year, and tied for ninth the previous year. His ascent continues as he ranks as one of the top receivers in catching (99), short-route running (99), and medium route running (98)T-2. DeAndre Hopkins (Cardinals, 98 overall): Hopkins is still the No. 1 player in the game. He is a wideout at 2 and a 98 overall, the same rating that he received when he started last year. He was a 99 when he launched Madden 20. Will he be able to get a 99 again? After a 1,407-yard, 115-catch season in a Kliff Kingbury offense that showcased him, it's possible. Odell Beckham Jr. and he are the top two catchers in the game (99).T-2. Tyreek Hill, Chiefs (98 overall): Want speed? Hill is the only 99 receiver to have it. Hill moves up two ratings spots and is tied for second with his 96 at launch. He continues to be part one of the most difficult tandems in the NFL (alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes). Hill had a record-setting 15 touchdowns on 87 receptions for 1,276 yards last year.4. Stefon Diggs Bills (97 overall). Diggs was a star in his first season in Buffalo. He created a strong connection with Josh Allen and led the league in receiving (127) and yards (1.535). He was able to improve his position by five points, moving from seventh to fourth place last year. He is particularly skilled at route running and ranks in the top three for short, medium, and deep route running this year.Courtesy EA Sports Madden NFL 225. Julio Jones, Titans (95 all-stars): Jones was traded from Atlanta to Tennessee in the offseason. He continued to fall in Madden, with a 97 rating which ranked third last season. He was a long-time top-two receiver in Madden. However, he has never been a 99 at launch and at 32 might not be one. Even at 80% of his peak Julio Jones is still one the best receivers in the game. This is evident here. He can also quickly rise if he plays well at his new home in 2021.6. Saints, Michael Thomas: The Saints ranked No. Thomas was No. 1 in 2019, with a 99. He spent most of 2020 on the sidelines, going without a receiving touchdown and averaged 11.0 yards per catch -- a career-worst. His slide was to be expected. Thomas's last year was an exception. He had four 1,000-yard seasons, three 100-catch seasons, and two 1,000-yard seasons his first four seasons in the league. Thomas may miss the season due to offseason ankle surgery.7. Keenan Allen, Chargers (93 all-time): Allen improved two points and two places from last year after Justin Herbert became his quarterback. This is a fitting honor for a guy who has been consistent over the past four seasons. In 14 games last year, Allen had 100 receptions for 992 yards and eight touchdowns. He's on pace to repeat the numbers from the three years before. Allen has been to four consecutive Pro Bowls and is a consistent leader in the league.8. Amari Cooper, Cowboys (92 in total): Cooper lost one rating point and fell two spots in the rankings. This could be more due to what his fellow Cowboys did. Cooper had strong numbers last season, including a career high of 92 catches. He was without Dak Prescott for the majority of the season. Cooper still had 1,114 yards and five touchdowns. Cooper could be a major mover if Prescott is healthy.9. Mike Evans, Buccaneers (91 in total): Evans fell one spot and one rating point this year. This could be due to Madden 22's small ratings among receivers. Evans did what he does best, with 70 catches, 1,006 yard and a career-best of 13 touchdowns. Evans has been consistent with every quarterback throughout his career. He helped Tom Brady win the Super Bowl his first year as a Buccaneer.10. Bears, Allen Robinson II: Robinson's huge 2020 was despite being in Chicago's mess as a quarterback. He had 102 catches for 1,250 yard and six touchdowns. Robinson's year could be even better with Justin Fields or Andy Dalton at quarterback. He is a great player, and he deserves all the respect he gets from Madden raters.T-9 was dropped out of the top 10, since launch last year. Odell Beckham Jr. Browns
