Run defense from the end spot is about setting the edge: taking on the tackle or tight end, keeping the outside shoulder free and forcing the run back inside. The grade scores that on every running snap. Rashan Gary (Michigan) and Jonathan Allen (Alabama) were both complete run defenders before they were drafted.
The table ranks this year’s draft-eligible defensive ends by run defense grade, alongside tackling, pass rush and overall rating.
| RANK | Player | Pos | Team | TACKLING | PASS RUSH | RUN DEFENSE | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
|
DE /ED |
|
68 | 96 | 82 |
86.6
|
|
2 |
|
DE /ED |
|
75 | 81 | 78 |
85.9
|
|
3 |
|
DE /ED |
|
70 | 81 | 78 |
86.4
|
|
4 |
|
DE /ED |
|
56 | 77 | 77 |
86.2
|
|
5 |
|
DE /ED |
|
53 | 91 | 77 |
88.1
|
|
6 |
|
DE /ED |
|
69 | 76 | 76 |
81.6
|
|
7 |
|
DE /ED |
|
71 | 65 | 75 |
79.9
|
|
8 |
|
DE |
|
63 | 63 | 74 |
74.3
|
|
9 |
|
DE /ED |
|
69 | 73 | 73 |
85.1
|
|
10 |
|
DE /ED |
|
51 | 60 | 72 |
81.3
|
|
11 |
|
DE /ED |
|
76 | 87 | 70 |
76.9
|
|
12 |
|
DE /ED |
|
61 | 65 | 69 |
77.9
|
|
13 |
|
DE /ED |
|
68 | 81 | 67 |
76.1
|
|
14 |
|
DE /ED |
|
59 | 66 | 67 |
79.5
|
|
15 |
|
DE /ED |
|
64 | 62 | 67 |
80.5
|
|
16 |
|
DE |
|
63 | 78 | 66 |
81.9
|
|
17 |
|
DE /ED |
|
73 | 83 | 63 |
83.6
|
|
18 |
|
DE /ED |
|
48 | 70 | 63 |
83.3
|
|
19 |
|
DE /ED |
|
76 | 62 | 62 |
76.4
|