Defensive linemen drop into coverage a few times a game on zone blitzes and simulated pressures, and the coverage grade scores what happens when they do. Sample sizes are small, so this is a tiebreaker rather than a headline number, and it mostly matters for edge players who might move to linebacker.
Below, draft-eligible defensive linemen are ranked by coverage grade, with tackling, pass rush, run defense and overall rating alongside.
| RANK | Player | Pos | Team | TACKLING | PASS RUSH | RUN DEFENSE | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
|
LB /ED |
|
63 | 63 | 75 |
82.5
|
|
2 |
|
DL |
|
50 | 76 | 75 |
88.0
|
|
3 |
|
DE /ED |
|
53 | 73 | 57 |
80.5
|
|
4 |
|
DL /ED |
|
58 | 74 | 66 |
80.2
|
|
5 |
|
DL /ED |
|
70 | 78 | 67 |
83.7
|
|
6 |
|
DE |
|
63 | 76 | 75 |
81.6
|
|
7 |
|
DL |
|
51 | 85 | 76 |
79.8
|
|
8 |
|
DL |
|
41 | 50 | 58 |
50.9
|
|
9 |
|
DE /ED |
|
70 | 70 | 62 |
63.6
|
|
10 |
|
DT |
|
68 | 52 | 68 |
64.4
|
|
11 |
|
DE /ED |
|
58 | 65 | 66 |
77.0
|