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Madden NFL 20 is due out on Aug. 2, and on Tuesday afternoon, the popular video game released its initial ratings for NFL players.
Unsurprisingly, former Terps wide receiver Stefon Diggs earned the top spot among Maryland alumni with a 93 rating. Now entering his fifth season in the league, he has become a bona fide star, earning praise for his athleticism and route-running ability. Last year was his best as a pro, as he hauled in 102 passes for 1,021 yards and nine touchdowns.
Next up on the list is Yannick Ngakoue, one of the most-feared pass rushers in football, who clocks in with a mark of 84. The 24-year-old has tallied 29.5 sacks in his first three years in the pros, and he finished tied for 10th in total quarterback pressures in 2018. Ngakoue reportedly plans on holding out for a new contract, but assuming he gets that situation sorted out, he should be a weapon once again in the AFC South.
As for the 2019 rookie class, No. 21 overall pick Darnell Savage Jr. leads the way with a 72 rating. Byron Cowart, Ty Johnson and Derwin Gray, all of whom were drafted in the final three rounds of the draft, have earned ratings of 63, 66 and 57, respectively. Undrafted free agents, including Miami Dolphins linebacker Tre Watson, have yet to be graded by EA Sports.
Check out the full list of Maryland ratings below:
| Player | Position | Team | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Position | Team | Rating |
| Stefon Diggs | Wide Receiver | Minnesota Vikings | 93 |
| Yannick Ngakoue | Defensive Line | Jacksonville Jaguars | 84 |
| D.J. Moore | Wide Receiver | Carolina Panthers | 81 |
| Vernon Davis | Tight End | Washington Redskins | 81 |
| Torrey Smith | Wide Receiver | Carolina Panthers | 77 |
| JC Jackson | Defensive Back | New England Patriots | 75 |
| Darnell Savage Jr. | Defensive Back | Green Bay Packers | 72 |
| Sean Davis | Defensive Back | Pittsburgh Steelers | 72 |
| Quinton Jefferson | Defensive Line | Seattle Seahawks | 68 |
| Ty Johnson | Running Back | Detroit Lions | 66 |
| Jermaine Carter Jr. | Linebacker | Carolina Panthers | 64 |
| Trey Edmunds | Running Back | Pittsburgh Steelers | 64 |
| Byron Cowart | Defensive Line | New England Patriots | 63 |
| Darius Kilgo | Defensive Line | Denver Broncos | 62 |
| Derwin Gray | Offensive Line | Pittsburgh Steelers | 57 |
In other news
It’s Defensive Line Week, and Wes broke down a quartet of defensive ends that’ll have to adapt to a new defensive scheme.
Following Maryland women’s lacrosse winning the national championship, the team earned the cover of US Lacrosse Magazine’s July edition.
“We want to win, but we’re out here playing with amazing teammates and our best friends. Why not just play and have fun?”
— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) July 16, 2019
It wasn't all ☀️ and , but @MarylandWLax
savored every moment as the dynasty you have to ❤️
Our July Cover Story https://t.co/IHIPFiUxS0 pic.twitter.com/pU6JfV1lhZ
Maryland volleyball’s freshman class has arrived on campus as the Terps look to make a jump into postseason play this upcoming season.
Moved in and ready to work
— Maryland Volleyball (@TerpsVolleyball) July 16, 2019
Class of 2023 College Park #FearTheTurtle pic.twitter.com/GXCXmnLCs8
The latest social media craze to flood the interwebs was the FaceApp Challenge, which swept the nation on Tuesday. Using the titular app, people could transform themselves — or literally anyone — into a version that has been aged considerably. The challenge hit close to home regarding Maryland sports, leading to a pair of questions which need addressing.
1. Would an elderly Anthony Cowan Jr. be able to lead the Terps as the starting point guard?
Anthony Cowan (Sr.) pic.twitter.com/VufD8EgEPT
— Maryland Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) July 17, 2019
2. Could the Atlanta Hawks make the playoffs if their young core were suddenly comprised of geriatrics?
Patiently waiting for the season to start like... #TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/wuPKEi9QzS
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 16, 2019