With the highly anticipated release of Madden NFL 26 just weeks away, NFL rookies are already speculating about their virtual counterparts' capabilities in EA Sports' legendary football franchise. While newcomers typically don't dominate the ratings in these games, several first-year players are setting surprisingly high expectations for their digital avatars.

Scheduled to hit shelves on August 14, Madden NFL 26 continues EA's tradition of summer football dominance, following closely on the heels of their college football title released in July. The franchise remains one of gaming's most consistent sales performers, regularly topping August sales charts alongside other annual titans like Call of Duty.

The recent reveal of Madden NFL 26's prestigious 99 Club members has only heightened anticipation among rookies eager to learn their own ratings. In interviews conducted by the NFL, over half of fifteen surveyed rookies from thirteen different teams predicted they'd debut with at least an 80 overall rating - an unusually optimistic projection for first-year players.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Mike Green emerged as the most confident rookie, projecting himself between 90-92 overall - a rating typically reserved for established superstars. Other notable predictions include Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (87), Giants players Abdul Carter (85) and Jaxson Dart (mid-80s), along with several others anticipating 80+ ratings.

Breaking Down the Rookie Predictions

Here's a comprehensive look at how various NFL rookies see their Madden NFL 26 ratings shaping up:

• Mike Green (Ravens LB): 90-92
• Omarion Hampton (Chargers RB): 87
• Abdul Carter (Giants LB): 85
• Jaxson Dart (Giants QB): Mid-80s
• Mason Graham (Browns DT): 80
• Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers WR): 80
• Ashton Jeanty (Raiders RB): 80
• Kelvin Banks Jr. (Saints OT): 80

These projections contrast sharply with Madden NFL 25's top rookie ratings at launch, where the highest-rated newcomers received just 79 overall scores. Most realistic rookies predicted ratings in the 70s, while Bengals linebacker Barrett Carter humbly projected a 65, seeing it as motivation to improve.

Perhaps the most unconventional prediction came from Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe, who joked about being fine with a 40 rating - as long as his virtual counterpart maintained excellent mobility. 'He can be a 40 as long as my guy can move and throw the ball,' Milroe quipped, highlighting the importance many players place on specific attributes over overall ratings.

As the August 14 release date approaches, these predictions will soon face the reality of EA Sports' rating system. Whether these rookies' confidence proves justified or needs tempering remains to be seen when Madden NFL 26 officially hits stores across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms.