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 |
|
77 | 88 | 88 | 84 |
86.3
|
|
2 |
|
LB |
|
94 | 81 | 86 | 92 |
87.0
|
|
3 |
|
LB |
|
67 | 85 | 85 | 89 |
85.1
|
|
4 |
|
LB |
|
73 | 66 | 85 | 58 |
78.9
|
|
5 |
|
LB |
|
95 | 66 | 84 | 82 |
86.4
|
|
6 |
|
LB |
|
63 | 86 | 82 | 74 |
81.3
|
|
7 |
|
LB |
|
61 | 63 | 80 | 58 |
68.0
|
|
8 |
|
LB |
|
83 | 71 | 79 | 66 |
82.1
|
|
9 |
|
OLB /ED |
|
76 | 91 | 79 | 67 |
83.6
|
|
10 |
|
LB /ED |
|
70 | 94 | 78 | 86 |
89.3
|
|
11 |
|
OLB /ED |
|
75 | 83 | 77 | 73 |
74.5
|
|
12 |
|
LB |
|
76 | 76 | 76 | 76 |
75.0
|
|
13 |
|
LB |
|
91 | 79 | 75 | 81 |
78.0
|
|
14 |
|
LB |
|
66 | 81 | 75 | 71 |
78.7
|
|
15 |
|
LB |
|
79 | 81 | 74 | 73 |
79.0
|
|
16 |
|
LB |
|
93 | 76 | 74 | 66 |
79.1
|
|
17 |
|
LB |
|
65 | 69 | 74 | 72 |
77.3
|
|
18 |
|
LB |
|
53 | 73 | 73 | 50 |
76.0
|
|
19 |
|
LB /ED |
|
81 | 95 | 73 | 74 |
86.2
|
|
20 |
|
LB |
|
71 | 88 | 73 | 73 |
78.0
|