Run defense grade for a defensive tackle scores gap control, block shedding and stops on every running play. It is the trait that gets a nose tackle drafted. Vita Vea (Washington) and Da’Ron Payne (Alabama) both came out with grades that made them early-down starters immediately.
The table ranks this year’s draft-eligible defensive tackles by run defense grade, alongside tackling, pass rush and overall rating.
| RANK | Player | Pos | Team | TACKLING | PASS RUSH | RUN DEFENSE | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
|
DT |
|
74 | 91 | 98 |
85.5
|
|
2 |
|
DT |
|
83 | 74 | 93 |
82.9
|
|
3 |
|
DT |
|
77 | 74 | 84 |
84.0
|
|
4 |
|
DT |
|
78 | 74 | 83 |
85.7
|
|
5 |
|
DT |
|
76 | 64 | 77 |
79.0
|
|
6 |
|
DT |
|
76 | 65 | 75 |
81.0
|
|
7 |
|
DT |
|
65 | 89 | 75 |
85.1
|
|
8 |
|
DT |
|
39 | 75 | 74 |
83.6
|
|
9 |
|
DT |
|
74 | 62 | 74 |
74.0
|
|
10 |
|
DT |
|
56 | 63 | 64 |
74.0
|
|
11 |
|
DT |
|
88 | 81 | 60 |
83.7
|