Saffold is in a category of his own because everything he has put on tape the last two years screams top-5 at the position.
Despite this, before Madden 19 was released he was only an 80 overall at left guard. Now I don’t know if that is EA trying to reserve 90+ rated players for players you control, or more visible position or what.
No matter what the excuse, his physical traits and his skills as a pass protector and run blocker make him easily one of the best players on any roster he is on.
Looking at the rookie class, there is only one player with a grade above a 70 with Garrett Bradbury scoring a 73. However, Quenton Nelson had an 83 before the season and I am sure that number will rise.
Nelson was much better than I thought, but I don’t see a big gap (or any gap at all) between he and Rodger Saffold so if Nelson tops 90 then I would expect Saffold to as well.
Maybe the fact that the Tennessee Titans gave him a big contract will help boost both he and Taylor Lewan this year because it will force the developers to take a harder look at those players. Like high draft picks, what a team invests in a player does change how high Madden will rank guys, unless you are Daniel Jones.
Even if he doesn’t start the season as a 90+ player I expect him to quickly end up there if Derrick Henry has a big game or is the left side of the offensive line holds up really well against the Cleveland Browns defensive line.