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 |
|
62 | 74 | 88 |
87.1
|
|
2 |
|
DT |
|
52 | 76 | 87 |
87.5
|
|
3 |
|
DT |
|
77 | 78 | 84 |
86.2
|
|
4 |
|
DT |
|
67 | 69 | 81 |
87.2
|
|
5 |
|
DT |
|
68 | 77 | 77 |
87.2
|
|
6 |
|
DT |
|
75 | 65 | 77 |
83.1
|
|
7 |
|
DT |
|
74 | 61 | 77 |
78.5
|
|
8 |
|
DT |
|
63 | 62 | 76 |
76.9
|
|
9 |
|
DT |
|
78 | 67 | 75 |
75.5
|
|
10 |
|
DT |
|
50 | 60 | 75 |
79.5
|
|
11 |
|
DT |
|
65 | 64 | 67 |
78.5
|