For a defensive end the tackling grade is about finishing in the backfield: converting a beaten tackle into a stop, wrapping up a quarterback rather than bouncing off, and not missing on the edge. Myles Garrett (Texas A&M) and Joey Bosa (Ohio State) were as reliable finishing as they were getting there.
The table ranks this year’s draft-eligible defensive ends by tackling grade, alongside pass rush, run defense and overall rating.
| RANK | Player | Pos | Team | TACKLING | PASS RUSH | RUN DEFENSE | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
|
DE /ED |
|
81 | 77 | 85 |
79.6
|
|
2 |
|
DE /ED |
|
75 | 83 | 75 |
82.3
|
|
3 |
|
DE /ED |
|
72 | 91 | 75 |
84.6
|
|
4 |
|
DE /ED |
|
72 | 82 | 75 |
75.5
|
|
5 |
|
DE /ED |
|
72 | 81 | 85 |
85.1
|
|
6 |
|
DE /ED |
|
70 | 79 | 60 |
83.0
|
|
7 |
|
DE /ED |
|
70 | 76 | 68 |
79.0
|
|
8 |
|
DE /ED |
|
67 | 98 | 81 |
87.7
|
|
9 |
|
DE /ED |
|
67 | 83 | 73 |
78.8
|
|
10 |
|
DE |
|
66 | 82 | 78 |
84.8
|
|
11 |
|
DE /ED |
|
64 | 76 | 70 |
81.0
|
|
12 |
|
DE /ED |
|
64 | 97 | 72 |
89.5
|
|
13 |
|
DE /ED |
|
63 | 86 | 84 |
85.2
|
|
14 |
|
DE /ED |
|
63 | 76 | 78 |
86.0
|
|
15 |
|
DE /ED |
|
62 | 80 | 80 |
83.2
|
|
16 |
|
DE /ED |
|
60 | 100 | 85 |
89.6
|
|
17 |
|
DE /ED |
|
60 | 57 | 60 |
74.0
|
|
18 |
|
DE /ED |
|
59 | 58 | 70 |
71.0
|
|
19 |
|
DE /ED |
|
59 | 66 | 65 |
81.5
|
|
20 |
|
DE |
|
58 | 63 | 83 |
72.0
|