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 |
|
55 | 73 | 79 |
87.7
|
|
2 |
|
LB /ED |
|
45 | 76 | 68 |
82.0
|
|
3 |
|
LB /ED |
|
69 | 59 | 79 |
85.2
|
|
4 |
|
LB /ED |
|
77 | 77 | 77 |
75.0
|
|
5 |
|
LB /ED |
|
77 | 77 | 77 |
75.0
|
|
6 |
|
LB /ED |
|
37 | 85 | 55 |
85.5
|
|
7 |
|
LB /ED |
|
75 | 75 | 75 |
75.0
|
|
8 |
|
LB /ED |
|
63 | 83 | 73 |
84.9
|
|
9 |
|
LB /ED |
|
65 | 95 | 81 |
81.2
|
|
10 |
|
LB /ED |
|
75 | 70 | 69 |
73.2
|
|
11 |
|
LB /ED |
|
66 | 71 | 76 |
81.0
|
|
12 |
|
LB /ED |
|
75 | 73 | 68 |
73.0
|
|
13 |
|
LB /ED |
|
79 | 65 | 73 |
70.0
|
|
14 |
|
LB /ED |
|
77 | 97 | 79 |
91.3
|
|
15 |
|
LB /ED |
|
48 | 58 | 73 |
74.0
|
|
16 |
|
LB /ED |
|
67 | 89 | 86 |
84.7
|
|
17 |
|
LB /ED |
|
57 | 91 | 80 |
91.1
|
|
18 |
|
LB /ED |
|
62 | 82 | 79 |
81.1
|
|
19 |
|
LB /ED |
|
70 | 62 | 69 |
68.0
|
|
20 |
|
LB /ED |
|
70 | 84 | 89 |
85.4
|