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 |
|
79 | 79 | 100 | 87 |
87.5
|
|
2 |
|
LB |
|
91 | 73 | 93 | 71 |
79.0
|
|
3 |
|
LB |
|
82 | 81 | 90 | 87 |
87.1
|
|
4 |
|
LB |
|
76 | 60 | 89 | 70 |
85.6
|
|
5 |
|
LB /ED |
|
81 | 83 | 85 | 61 |
85.9
|
|
6 |
|
LB |
|
88 | 75 | 85 | 64 |
83.5
|
|
7 |
|
LB |
|
75 | 60 | 83 | 65 |
87.1
|
|
8 |
|
LB |
|
76 | 55 | 83 | 75 |
80.2
|
|
9 |
|
LB |
|
53 | 74 | 82 | 76 |
76.7
|
|
10 |
|
LB /ED |
|
59 | 79 | 80 | 68 |
84.5
|
|
11 |
|
LB /ED |
|
73 | 94 | 80 | 80 |
86.7
|
|
12 |
|
LB |
|
81 | 86 | 80 | 76 |
85.9
|
|
13 |
|
LB /ED |
|
72 | 64 | 80 | 86 |
87.1
|
|
14 |
|
LB /ED |
|
71 | 98 | 79 | 68 |
90.2
|
|
15 |
|
LB |
|
79 | 70 | 79 | 63 |
82.0
|
|
16 |
|
LB |
|
90 | 70 | 79 | 75 |
84.6
|
|
17 |
|
LB /ED |
|
52 | 77 | 78 | 63 |
89.0
|
|
18 |
|
LB |
|
66 | 69 | 78 | 55 |
74.0
|
|
19 |
|
LB |
|
74 | 74 | 77 | 87 |
83.4
|
|
20 |
|
LB |
|
56 | 65 | 77 | 73 |
81.3
|