Tackling is the linebacker’s job description, and the grade scores it on every attempt: tackles made, tackles missed, stops for no gain or a loss. Luke Kuechly (Boston College) and Manti Te’o (Notre Dame) both led the country in tackles while missing almost none, which is the combination the grade rewards.
The table ranks this year’s draft-eligible linebackers by tackling grade, alongside pass rush, run defense, coverage and overall rating.
| RANK | Player | Pos | Team | TACKLING | PASS RUSH | RUN DEFENSE | COVERAGE | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
|
LB |
|
94 | 73 | 93 | 70 |
79.0
|
|
2 |
|
LB |
|
88 | 64 | 75 | 76 |
84.6
|
|
3 |
|
LB |
|
87 | 79 | 88 | 86 |
87.1
|
|
4 |
|
LB |
|
84 | 76 | 84 | 63 |
83.5
|
|
5 |
|
LB /ED |
|
82 | 84 | 85 | 70 |
85.9
|
|
6 |
|
LB |
|
81 | 83 | 86 | 73 |
85.9
|
|
7 |
|
LB |
|
81 | 65 | 79 | 65 |
87.1
|
|
8 |
|
LB |
|
79 | 72 | 74 | 66 |
82.7
|
|
9 |
|
LB /ED |
|
78 | 96 | 77 | 81 |
86.7
|
|
10 |
|
LB |
|
77 | 58 | 89 | 71 |
85.6
|
|
11 |
|
LB |
|
77 | 69 | 100 | 89 |
87.5
|
|
12 |
|
LB /ED |
|
77 | 55 | 61 | 63 |
76.2
|
|
13 |
|
LB |
|
77 | 74 | 77 | 85 |
83.4
|
|
14 |
|
LB |
|
77 | 51 | 84 | 77 |
80.2
|
|
15 |
|
LB |
|
77 | 71 | 79 | 66 |
82.0
|
|
16 |
|
LB /ED |
|
76 | 71 | 70 | 65 |
76.1
|
|
17 |
|
LB |
|
74 | 86 | 71 | 64 |
82.1
|
|
18 |
|
LB /ED |
|
73 | 77 | 77 | 71 |
81.9
|
|
19 |
|
LB /ED |
|
73 | 66 | 72 | 62 |
76.0
|
|
20 |
|
LB |
|
72 | 70 | 74 | 60 |
74.3
|