Madden NFL 15 player ratings: Top 5 middle linebackers

Continuing to reveal defensive players, EA has moved off the line and into the secondary line of defense: middle linebackers. "Whether it's marshaling a defense, shutting down the run or helping in coverage, these middle linebackers can do it all in Madden NFL 15," EA says of the batch of top players. So let's get right into it. Here are the best of the best MLBs.

Patrick Willis (San Francisco 49ers) – 96 Overall

I think this one is a given. Patrick Willis, for years now, has been one of the top middle linebackers in the NFL. The same is true for his ratings in Madden NFL 15. This year, Willis is the cream of the crop with 90 Speed, 88 Strength, 94 Awareness, 95 Tackling, 97 Hit Power, 89 Block Shedding, 97 Pursuit, and 74 Man Coverage. Dude is going to be a beast.

Navorro Bowman (San Francisco 49ers) – 96 Overall

Yup, you're reading this right. The top two middle linebackers in Madden NFL 15 both play for the San Francisco 49ers. Moore acknowledges that Bowman isn't "quite as physically talented" as Willis, but "might be the better technician" with 98 Pursuit, 95 Block Shedding, 83 Power Moves and 99 Tackling.

Luke Kuechly (Carolina Panthers) – 94 Overall

I find it funny that the guy EA used to reveal Madden NFL 15 isn't even the top-rated at his position. Still, Kuechly is among the top with 99 Tackling, 99 Pursuit, 99 Play Recognition, and 84 Block Shedding. 

Derrick Johnson (Kansas City Chiefs) – 91 Overall

It's clear that MLBs are going to see drop off in talent quickly. The fourth best MLB is just a 91 Overall. Still, Johnson has got some impressive ratings with 85 Speed, 85 Agility, 90 Acceleration, 93 Awareness, 94 Tackling, and 98 Pursuit.

Jerod Mayo (New England Patriots) – 91 Overall

Rounding out the top five is Jerod Mayo whose versatile ratings allows him to play both MLB and OLB. In Madden NFL 15 he boasts 81 Zone Coverage and 87 Speed while being a "top-notch" tackler.