With the NFL season right around the corner, Madden NFL 27 is ready to drop, and the Cleveland Browns are ready to roll. And if the ratings are any indication, the defense is going to have to step up and play a key factor again in 2026. Of the top five players, four are on the defensive unit.
As a team, the Browns come into Madden NFL 27 with an 81 overall, among the bottom tier of NFL teams. And only 12 players on the roster tote an 80 overall rating or higher.
So, who are the Browns top 5 rated players in Madden NFL 26? And what do they need to do to help Cleveland improve? Let’s take in a deeper discussion…
Cleveland Browns Top 5 Player Ratings in Madden NFL 27
Top Player – Cornerback Denzel Ward (93 overall)
Despite all sorts of injuries in his career, cornerback Denzel Ward remains a hallmark of the Browns defense. 93 is the highest overall rating the former Ohio State Buckeye has received. Some of his top traits in the game include his ability to change direction quickly and his man coverage skills. He also has the Lurker and Deep Route Knockout superstar zone abilities, which allow him to perform incredible interceptions and tackle would be receivers on deep routes.
Second Highest – Edge Rusher Jared Verse (88 overall)
The Cleveland Browns’ recent trade acquisition is already receiving high praise. Jared Verse is the second-highest on his new squad, hitting 88 overall. Now entering his fourth season in the NFL, Verse is well-known for his strength as a pass rusher and when to make an impact at the point of attack on blocking assignments. He also features 85 or better ratings in play recognition, awareness and pursuit, must-have qualities for someone on the edge.
Cleveland Browns Third Highest – Center Elgton Jenkins (84 overall)
A free agent acquisition also finds himself amongst the highest of the Cleveland Browns ratings. Center Elgton Jenkins is an 84 overall anchor at the center of the o-line. Jenkins is among some of the best blocking centers in the NFL, with great ratings to prove it. How about 87 toughness, 89 strength, 85 pass block, and 86 impact block, just to name a few. He will provide a major boost to a rather struggling offensive line of the Browns.
Fourth Highest – Mike Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (83 overall)
After winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2025, Carson Schwesinger is ready for a big year two. He’s already looking like a stud in the middle of the field. This year, Schwesinger features 85 play recognition, 87 pursuit, 87 tackle, 87 awareness, and 90 acceleration. If his first year in the league is any indication, the former UCLA Bruin appears to be on track for a venerable career at the mike linebacker position.
Cleveland Browns Fifth Highest – Will Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (83 overall)
And to wrap up the list, we have someone who is also dealing with injuries. But, when healthy, outside linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah can be among the cream of the crop at his position. One of the hardest-hitting at his position, he boasts a 93 pursuit, 85 hit power and 85 play recognition rating. If he can stay healthy, his career will come back to an upward trajectory.
And those are the top five rated players for the Cleveland Browns ahead of Madden NFL 27. The dynamic of the season will change the ratings. But this is the baseline, and the defense looks to be a sturdy unit heading into the 2026 campaign.
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