Run defense grade for a linebacker scores play recognition, taking on and shedding blocks, and getting to the ball on every running play. It is the trait that separates a three-down linebacker from a coverage specialist. Reuben Foster (Alabama) and Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame) both graded at the top here in college.
The table ranks this year’s draft-eligible linebackers by run defense grade, alongside tackling, pass rush, coverage and overall rating.
| RANK | Player | Pos | Team | TACKLING | PASS RUSH | RUN DEFENSE | COVERAGE | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
|
LB /ED |
|
96 | 95 | 98 | 74 |
93.0
|
|
2 |
|
LB |
|
89 | 77 | 91 | 75 |
85.0
|
|
3 |
|
LB |
|
80 | 82 | 91 | 77 |
89.0
|
|
4 |
|
OLB /ED |
|
59 | 81 | 86 | 60 |
88.0
|
|
5 |
|
OLB /ED |
|
77 | 92 | 80 | 77 |
88.0
|
|
6 |
|
LB |
|
68 | 59 | 77 | 63 |
65.0
|
|
7 |
|
LB |
|
79 | 91 | 76 | 70 |
79.0
|
|
8 |
|
LB |
|
67 | 56 | 75 | 69 |
62.0
|
|
9 |
|
LB |
|
68 | 84 | 75 | 94 |
90.0
|
|
10 |
|
OLB /ED |
|
68 | 87 | 74 | 63 |
86.0
|
|
11 |
|
LB /ED |
|
67 | 80 | 73 | 65 |
77.0
|
|
12 |
|
LB |
|
72 | 64 | 72 | 50 |
68.0
|
|
13 |
|
LB |
|
81 | 59 | 70 | 68 |
71.0
|
|
14 |
|
LB |
|
58 | 60 | 70 | 64 |
45.0
|
|
15 |
|
LB |
|
60 | 65 | 69 | 58 |
66.0
|
|
16 |
|
OLB /ED |
|
57 | 82 | 69 | 53 |
59.0
|
|
17 |
|
LB |
|
63 | 65 | 68 | 45 |
53.0
|
|
18 |
|
LB |
|
82 | 54 | 68 | 74 |
62.0
|
|
19 |
|
LB |
|
53 | 64 | 68 | 59 |
57.0
|
|
20 |
|
OLB /ED |
|
68 | 80 | 68 | 64 |
62.0
|