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 |
|
84 | 83 | 74 |
84.6
|
|
2 |
|
DE /ED |
|
84 | 92 | 91 |
83.4
|
|
3 |
|
DE /ED |
|
82 | 97 | 78 |
87.1
|
|
4 |
|
DE /ED |
|
78 | 97 | 78 |
84.9
|
|
5 |
|
DE /ED |
|
75 | 74 | 92 |
88.4
|
|
6 |
|
DE /ED |
|
74 | 72 | 71 |
81.1
|
|
7 |
|
DE /ED |
|
72 | 83 | 88 |
85.6
|
|
8 |
|
DE /ED |
|
72 | 83 | 80 |
82.5
|
|
9 |
|
DE /ED |
|
71 | 66 | 75 |
82.3
|
|
10 |
|
DE /ED |
|
70 | 83 | 84 |
87.2
|
|
11 |
|
DE /ED |
|
70 | 96 | 93 |
85.9
|
|
12 |
|
DE /ED |
|
69 | 72 | 71 |
81.2
|
|
13 |
|
DE /ED |
|
69 | 80 | 77 |
81.1
|
|
14 |
|
DE /ED |
|
68 | 99 | 95 |
91.1
|
|
15 |
|
DE /ED |
|
67 | 71 | 74 |
80.7
|
|
16 |
|
DE /ED |
|
66 | 65 | 66 |
74.0
|
|
17 |
|
DE /ED |
|
66 | 96 | 80 |
86.2
|
|
18 |
|
DE /ED |
|
66 | 72 | 81 |
83.3
|
|
19 |
|
DE |
|
66 | 61 | 58 |
73.8
|
|
20 |
|
DE /ED |
|
64 | 80 | 64 |
74.0
|