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 |
|
56 | 74 | 85 |
87.5
|
|
2 |
|
DT |
|
68 | 78 | 84 |
86.2
|
|
3 |
|
DT |
|
55 | 75 | 84 |
87.2
|
|
4 |
|
DT |
|
68 | 66 | 79 |
87.2
|
|
5 |
|
DT |
|
73 | 73 | 77 |
87.2
|
|
6 |
|
DT |
|
45 | 59 | 76 |
79.5
|
|
7 |
|
DT |
|
66 | 70 | 75 |
76.9
|
|
8 |
|
DT |
|
64 | 66 | 74 |
75.5
|
|
9 |
|
DT |
|
71 | 67 | 72 |
83.1
|
|
10 |
|
DT |
|
71 | 67 | 68 |
78.5
|
|
11 |
|
DT |
|
55 | 69 | 66 |
78.5
|