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 |
|
91 | 100 | 100 | 64 |
86.7
|
|
2 |
|
LB /ED |
|
81 | 84 | 95 | 74 |
87.8
|
|
3 |
|
LB |
|
90 | 71 | 94 | 78 |
84.5
|
|
4 |
|
LB |
|
58 | 67 | 93 | 64 |
78.4
|
|
5 |
|
OLB |
|
83 | 97 | 92 | 87 |
89.9
|
|
6 |
|
LB |
|
78 | 91 | 90 | 68 |
78.9
|
|
7 |
|
LB |
|
83 | 97 | 88 | 90 |
90.4
|
|
8 |
|
OLB |
|
72 | 73 | 85 | 52 |
78.0
|
|
9 |
|
LB |
|
69 | 78 | 84 | 76 |
79.9
|
|
10 |
|
OLB |
|
75 | 83 | 84 | 65 |
79.9
|
|
11 |
|
ILB /ED |
|
74 | 68 | 84 | 74 |
78.3
|
|
12 |
|
OLB /ED |
|
77 | 71 | 83 | 61 |
73.1
|
|
13 |
|
LB |
|
66 | 64 | 82 | 53 |
76.5
|
|
14 |
|
LB |
|
69 | 73 | 81 | 67 |
76.4
|
|
15 |
|
OLB /ED |
|
78 | 92 | 79 | 70 |
79.3
|
|
16 |
|
LB |
|
94 | 87 | 79 | 89 |
82.3
|
|
17 |
|
OLB /ED |
|
65 | 85 | 78 | 70 |
82.1
|
|
18 |
|
OLB /ED |
|
71 | 100 | 76 | 72 |
86.2
|
|
19 |
|
OLB /ED |
|
74 | 81 | 76 | 69 |
81.1
|
|
20 |
|
LB |
|
81 | 74 | 76 | 72 |
83.5
|