Defensive linemen drop into coverage a few times a game on zone blitzes and simulated pressures, and the coverage grade scores what happens when they do. Sample sizes are small, so this is a tiebreaker rather than a headline number, and it mostly matters for edge players who might move to linebacker.
Below, draft-eligible defensive linemen are ranked by coverage grade, with tackling, pass rush, run defense and overall rating alongside.
| RANK | Player | Pos | Team | TACKLING | PASS RUSH | RUN DEFENSE | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
|
LB /ED |
|
71 | 65 | 79 |
87.1
|
|
2 |
|
LB /ED |
|
78 | 96 | 77 |
86.7
|
|
3 |
|
LB /ED |
|
50 | 73 | 75 |
87.3
|
|
4 |
|
LB /ED |
|
42 | 79 | 69 |
81.6
|
|
5 |
|
LB /ED |
|
59 | 81 | 66 |
86.7
|
|
6 |
|
LB /ED |
|
73 | 77 | 77 |
81.9
|
|
7 |
|
LB /ED |
|
82 | 84 | 85 |
85.9
|
|
8 |
|
LB /ED |
|
56 | 80 | 81 |
84.5
|
|
9 |
|
LB /ED |
|
60 | 83 | 73 |
85.0
|
|
10 |
|
LB /ED |
|
66 | 95 | 80 |
90.2
|
|
11 |
|
LB /ED |
|
76 | 71 | 70 |
76.1
|
|
12 |
|
LB /ED |
|
56 | 78 | 79 |
89.0
|
|
13 |
|
LB /ED |
|
77 | 55 | 61 |
76.2
|
|
14 |
|
LB /ED |
|
73 | 66 | 72 |
76.0
|
|
15 |
|
DL |
|
45 | 80 | 68 |
85.9
|
|
16 |
|
DL |
|
54 | 91 | 81 |
80.7
|
|
17 |
|
DE /ED |
|
69 | 73 | 73 |
85.1
|
|
18 |
|
DL |
|
73 | 70 | 67 |
76.4
|
|
19 |
|
DE /ED |
|
76 | 87 | 70 |
76.9
|
|
20 |
|
DE |
|
63 | 78 | 66 |
81.9
|