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 | 69 | 93 | 71 |
83.1
|
|
2 |
|
LB |
|
79 | 73 | 92 | 56 |
84.6
|
|
3 |
|
LB |
|
75 | 89 | 92 | 77 |
83.0
|
|
4 |
|
LB |
|
95 | 78 | 89 | 75 |
80.3
|
|
5 |
|
LB |
|
87 | 76 | 87 | 87 |
74.0
|
|
6 |
|
LB |
|
87 | 83 | 85 | 74 |
84.8
|
|
7 |
|
LB /ED |
|
64 | 87 | 84 | 73 |
83.6
|
|
8 |
|
LB /ED |
|
79 | 67 | 84 | 77 |
82.4
|
|
9 |
|
LB /ED |
|
65 | 90 | 84 | 72 |
79.0
|
|
10 |
|
LB |
|
93 | 79 | 83 | 83 |
87.0
|
|
11 |
|
LB |
|
73 | 74 | 82 | 54 |
84.3
|
|
12 |
|
LB |
|
81 | 81 | 81 | 83 |
85.9
|
|
13 |
|
LB /ED |
|
76 | 89 | 80 | 73 |
80.0
|
|
14 |
|
LB |
|
94 | 92 | 80 | 78 |
85.2
|
|
15 |
|
LB |
|
64 | 67 | 79 | 65 |
77.0
|
|
16 |
|
LB |
|
68 | 75 | 79 | 72 |
74.0
|
|
17 |
|
LB |
|
85 | 71 | 79 | 62 |
79.0
|
|
18 |
|
OLB |
|
63 | 60 | 78 | 69 |
74.0
|
|
19 |
|
LB |
|
65 | 58 | 77 | 61 |
74.0
|
|
20 |
|
LB |
|
81 | 67 | 77 | 93 |
79.3
|