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 |
|
84 | 68 | 97 |
87.4
|
|
2 |
|
DT |
|
71 | 59 | 87 |
74.2
|
|
3 |
|
DT |
|
70 | 75 | 85 |
85.3
|
|
4 |
|
DT |
|
73 | 69 | 84 |
82.6
|
|
5 |
|
DT |
|
35 | 79 | 83 |
81.1
|
|
6 |
|
DT |
|
72 | 65 | 83 |
84.6
|
|
7 |
|
DT |
|
70 | 86 | 82 |
82.7
|
|
8 |
|
DT |
|
78 | 67 | 82 |
81.0
|
|
9 |
|
DT |
|
70 | 66 | 82 |
84.9
|
|
10 |
|
DL /ED |
|
60 | 71 | 80 |
86.3
|
|
11 |
|
DT |
|
65 | 66 | 79 |
80.2
|
|
12 |
|
DT |
|
58 | 64 | 79 |
82.4
|
|
13 |
|
DT |
|
61 | 65 | 78 |
83.2
|
|
14 |
|
DT |
|
72 | 75 | 76 |
83.1
|
|
15 |
|
DT |
|
66 | 67 | 75 |
81.2
|
|
16 |
|
DT |
|
52 | 67 | 74 |
80.8
|
|
17 |
|
DT |
|
38 | 65 | 73 |
71.0
|
|
18 |
|
DT |
|
37 | 70 | 73 |
84.8
|
|
19 |
|
DT |
|
72 | 81 | 71 |
80.9
|
|
20 |
|
DT |
|
57 | 55 | 69 |
61.8
|