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 |
|
92 | 97 | 100 | 93 |
83.2
|
|
2 |
|
LB |
|
75 | 88 | 99 | 78 |
87.2
|
|
3 |
|
LB |
|
91 | 85 | 98 | 75 |
87.2
|
|
4 |
|
LB |
|
84 | 64 | 95 | 68 |
84.7
|
|
5 |
|
LB |
|
90 | 71 | 92 | 80 |
79.0
|
|
6 |
|
LB |
|
69 | 80 | 92 | 75 |
80.8
|
|
7 |
|
LB |
|
77 | 57 | 91 | 58 |
74.0
|
|
8 |
|
LB /ED |
|
67 | 86 | 88 | 61 |
84.7
|
|
9 |
|
LB /ED |
|
73 | 86 | 87 | 53 |
85.4
|
|
10 |
|
LB |
|
87 | 72 | 87 | 54 |
74.8
|
|
11 |
|
LB |
|
62 | 56 | 84 | 52 |
74.0
|
|
12 |
|
LB |
|
79 | 72 | 84 | 83 |
84.7
|
|
13 |
|
LB |
|
96 | 76 | 83 | 58 |
81.3
|
|
14 |
|
LB |
|
90 | 64 | 82 | 54 |
81.2
|
|
15 |
|
LB |
|
68 | 67 | 82 | 74 |
78.9
|
|
16 |
|
LB /ED |
|
64 | 97 | 82 | 72 |
81.2
|
|
17 |
|
LB |
|
63 | 54 | 82 | 72 |
78.0
|
|
18 |
|
LB |
|
92 | 69 | 81 | 84 |
79.9
|
|
19 |
|
LB |
|
89 | 53 | 80 | 87 |
79.9
|
|
20 |
|
LB |
|
50 | 69 | 80 | 54 |
73.1
|