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 |
|
89 | 80 | 75 |
84.5
|
|
2 |
|
DE /ED |
|
88 | 89 | 82 |
84.9
|
|
3 |
|
DE /ED |
|
81 | 92 | 89 |
86.1
|
|
4 |
|
DE /ED |
|
73 | 81 | 86 |
86.3
|
|
5 |
|
DE /ED |
|
73 | 96 | 91 |
86.2
|
|
6 |
|
DE /ED |
|
72 | 89 | 93 |
85.9
|
|
7 |
|
DE /ED |
|
71 | 94 | 93 |
87.3
|
|
8 |
|
DE /ED |
|
71 | 93 | 76 |
85.9
|
|
9 |
|
DE /ED |
|
71 | 96 | 80 |
87.2
|
|
10 |
|
DE /ED |
|
70 | 91 | 85 |
84.2
|
|
11 |
|
DE /ED |
|
70 | 88 | 66 |
82.0
|
|
12 |
|
DE /ED |
|
70 | 75 | 82 |
76.2
|
|
13 |
|
DE /ED |
|
70 | 82 | 74 |
85.1
|
|
14 |
|
DE /ED |
|
68 | 77 | 77 |
78.0
|
|
15 |
|
DE /ED |
|
68 | 72 | 77 |
75.2
|
|
16 |
|
DE /ED |
|
67 | 77 | 89 |
87.7
|
|
17 |
|
DE /ED |
|
67 | 89 | 80 |
86.4
|
|
18 |
|
DE /ED |
|
66 | 95 | 84 |
87.6
|
|
19 |
|
DE /ED |
|
66 | 75 | 77 |
73.0
|
|
20 |
|
DE /ED |
|
62 | 100 | 79 |
91.1
|