Look, being a Jaguars fan in Madden is usually a test of patience. We've all been there. You load up the game, head to the team select screen, and brace yourself for those mid-70s overalls that make you want to throw your controller out a window. But jaguars madden 25 ratings feel a little different this year. It's a weird mix of "finally, some respect for the defense" and "wow, they really hate Trevor Lawrence, don't they?"
Honestly, the developers at EA Sports seem to be stuck in a loop. They see the talent, they see the flashes of brilliance, but then they look at the win-loss column and just... shrug. If you’re planning on taking the Jags into an online Franchise or just trying to ruin your friend's day in a quick match, you need to know what you’re actually working with. Because on paper, this team is a lot more dangerous than their base numbers suggest.
The Josh Hines-Allen Era Is Officially Here
Let’s start with the good stuff. If there is one player EA didn't miss on, it’s Josh Hines-Allen. The man is a certified glitch in Madden 25. With an 88 OVR to start—and cards in Ultimate Team already pushing into the high 90s—he is the undisputed king of the Duval defense.
His 92 Speed and 93 Acceleration for an edge rusher are basically a cheat code. If you aren't using him to scream off the edge on every third down, you're playing the game wrong. He’s got the "High Motor" and "Swim Move" traits that make the AI actually behave like a pro-bowler instead of just standing there. It’s a massive jump from where he was a couple of years ago. He’s finally being treated like the elite game-wrecker he is.
Why the Trevor Lawrence Rating Feels Like a Slap in the Face
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Trevor Lawrence is sitting at a 79 OVR.
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Ouch.
I get it, the 2024 season was a bit of a roller coaster. There were injuries, some questionable play-calling, and a lot of "almost" plays. But a 79? That puts him in the same tier as rookies and bridge starters. It’s wild. Even Mac Jones is lurking right behind him in the ratings, which is a sentence I never thought I’d have to write.
In the game, Lawrence still has a 94 Throw Power in some versions, and his 85 Speed makes him a legitimate threat when the pocket collapses. But his accuracy stats—especially that Deep Accuracy—are lower than they should be. It feels like the "madden tax" for playing in a small market. You’ve basically got to play a perfect game with him to avoid those random "Inaccurate" passes that EA loves to trigger when a QB is rated under 80.
The Offensive Weapons: Speed, Speed, and More Speed
If you can get past the QB rating, the skill positions are actually kind of stacked. Travis Etienne Jr. remains one of the most fun backs to use in the game. His 99 Elusive rating in special editions is a joke (in a good way), but even his base card is a nightmare for linebackers. He’s got that "Home Run" speed where if you find one hole in the zone, you’re gone.
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Then you’ve got the pass catchers:
- Evan Engram: A 93 OVR in some updates, he’s basically a wide receiver playing tight end. He’s too fast for LBs and too big for corners. He is the ultimate safety blanket.
- Brian Thomas Jr.: The rookie is coming in hot. With a 94 OVR Ghost of MUT card already out there, he’s the deep threat the Jags have been missing. His base speed is high enough to keep safeties honest from day one.
- Gabe Davis: The "Big Play" specialist is rated as a 94 in playoff editions. He’s your go-to for those contested catches in the red zone.
The Defensive Identity (Beyond Hines-Allen)
It’s not just a one-man show on defense. Foyesade Oluokun is a tackling machine with a 92 OVR in recent roster updates. If you play as the MLB, he’s your best friend. He’s got the "Pass Coverage" archetype, which means he won't get burned by every crossing route that comes his way.
The secondary is a bit more of a gamble. Jarrian Jones and Montaric Brown are holding it down, but you’re going to miss having a true "Lockdown" corner if you don't scheme correctly. Pro tip: use Darnell Savage Jr. in a hybrid role. His 93 OVR card is surprisingly versatile, allowing you to move him into the box or keep him deep depending on how much your opponent likes to spam the run.
Ranking the Jaguars: What Most People Get Wrong
People look at the Jaguars’ overall team rating—usually hovering around an 88 in the later season updates—and think they’re a middle-of-the-pack squad. But they are built for the Madden meta.
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In Madden, speed and height on the outside usually trump everything else. The Jags have that. They have a pass rush that can get home with four man fronts. They have a TE who can't be covered by traditional means. The jaguars madden 25 ratings might look "meh" on the surface, but if you know how to use a mobile QB and an elite edge rusher, this is a top-tier team for competitive play.
The real struggle is the offensive line. It’s been a weak point for years, and Madden 25 reflects that. If you're playing against a team with a high-rated DT, expect to be under pressure in about 1.5 seconds. You’ve got to get the ball out fast.
Making the Most of the Roster
To actually win with the Jags in Madden 25, you have to lean into their strengths and hide the Lawrence rating. Here’s the blueprint:
- Stop the run with Foye: Use Oluokun to fill gaps. Don't let opponents bully you on the ground.
- Unleash Hines-Allen: Set your defensive audibles to ensure he’s always in a 1-on-1 situation.
- The Engram mismatch: If they play man, Engram is your first read. Every time.
- Draft for the Trenches: If you're in a Franchise mode, your first three picks should be offensive linemen. Seriously.
The Jaguars aren't the 99-overall juggernaut that the Chiefs or Niners are, but they have enough "X-Factor" talent to beat anyone. Just don't let the 79 next to Trevor's name get in your head.
Next Steps for Your Jaguars Franchise:
- Focus on O-Line Development: In Franchise mode, spend your weekly strategy points on the Offensive Line. Lawrence needs that extra half-second to make his throws.
- Check the Weekly Roster Updates: EA adjusts these ratings every Tuesday based on real-world performance. If Lawrence has a 300-yard game, expect that 79 to jump.
- Master the "Edge Threat" Ability: Make sure you have the right abilities equipped on Josh Hines-Allen to maximize his pass-rush wins.