With the early release of Madden 27 (Deluxe Edition and MVP Bundle) available on Monday, let’s take a look at who on the 2026-27 Toronto Raptors were standout football players and what their respective Madden ratings might look like.
Jamal Shead
When Raptors fans squint, it’s easy to see Kyle Lowry’s silhouette while watching Jamal Shead on the basketball court. Shead plays with an infectious energy and undeniable tenacity. Shead isn’t afraid to leave it all out on the court, especially when he’s diving for loose
balls. It doesn’t take much imagination to picture Shead in pads hitting the turf for a loose fumble.
When Shead was young, his father started the Capital City Youth Association, where Elvin coached his son in both football and basketball. According to those who got to watch Shead play football, they “swear to this day he would’ve been a Division I safety”, according to The Athletic’s Brendan Quinn.
Madden Comparison:
At six-foot-one and 200 pounds, Shead compares to safeties like Camryn Bynum (Indianapolis Colts), Xavier McKinney (Green Bay Packers) and Brian Branch (Detroit Lions). Shead ran the three-quarter sprint at 2.94 seconds, the second-fastest time at his combine. The drill measures 25 yards, as opposed to the popular 40-yard dash that NFL prospects run. Shead also recorded a 30.0-inch vertical.
Branch, who measures at six feet and 203 pounds, ran a comparable 4.58 40-yard dash and finished with a 34-inch vertical. By comparison, this is what Shead’s Madden ratings might look like:
- Speed: 88
- Man coverage: 86
- Tackle: 78
- Pursuit: 95
- Jump: 89
Alijah Martin
Arguably the most athletic player on the Raptors, Alijah Martin stunned his new Canadian fans with his athleticism during the 2025 NBA Summer League. It was the same jaw-dropping physical ability that he showcased on a daily basis while playing for the Florida Gators.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Martin was labelled as a dual-threat quarterback three-star prospect. Martin was also ranked as the 39th-best prospect in Mississippi by 247Sports Composite in 2020. While at North Pike High School, Martin threw for 2,1000 yards and rushed for 1,300 in his final season.
Madden Comparison:
Physically, Martin (six-foot-two, 208 pounds) compares best to Lamar Jackson (six-foot-two, 210 pounds), Cam Ward (six-foot-two, 219 pounds) and Michael Penix (six-foot-two, 216 pounds). Martin’s three-quarter sprint (3.11 seconds) best compares to Ward’s 40-yard dash (4.87 seconds). The NBA Combine doesn’t officially feature weight-lifting tests, but scouts have typically noted Martin’s strength as a standout quality.
By comparison, here’s what Martin’s Madden ratings could look like:
- Speed: 82
- Acceleration: 85
- Throw on the run: 87
- Ball carrier vision: 73
- Toughness: 94
Allen Graves
As told by Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, Allen Graves was supposed to play football. At least, that’s what Graves’ mother believed. Growing up in Louisiana, Graves was born to love football. But when a football injury took him away from the game, it inspired Graves to chase his true passion – basketball.
Graves played quarterback and described himself as a “very slow wide receiver” in Matthew Ho’s feature on The Athletic. While on the gridiron, Graves claims he developed his processing speed and understanding of angles to make up for his lack of physical burst. It all translated to the hardwood, as Graves went on to become the analytical darling of the 2026 NBA Draft, despite lacking otherworldly measurables or length.
Madden Comparison:
At six-foot-nine, 226 pounds, Graves would be an anomaly on offence, both for good and bad reasons. He would tower over the other 21 players on the field, but his high centre of gravity and slow speed would make it tricky for Graves to get open. He’s slower than most receivers and doesn’t weigh anywhere near the lightest tight end. Graves is also too light to play on the offensive or defensive line.
He best compares to tight ends like Travis Kelce (six-foot-five, 250 pounds) and Colston Loveland (six-foot-six, 241 pounds).
By comparison, here’s what Graves’ Madden ratings could look like:
- Speed: 82
- Catch: 90
- Catch in traffic: 84
- Jump: 85
- Break Tackle: 70
