Run defense grade for a defensive tackle scores gap control, block shedding and stops on every running play. It is the trait that gets a nose tackle drafted. Vita Vea (Washington) and Da’Ron Payne (Alabama) both came out with grades that made them early-down starters immediately.
The table ranks this year’s draft-eligible defensive tackles by run defense grade, alongside tackling, pass rush and overall rating.
| RANK | Player | Pos | Team | TACKLING | PASS RUSH | RUN DEFENSE | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
|
DT |
|
79 | 85 | 88 |
85.0
|
|
2 |
|
DT |
|
61 | 64 | 88 |
70.0
|
|
3 |
|
DT |
|
63 | 76 | 86 |
69.0
|
|
4 |
|
DT |
|
76 | 100 | 83 |
90.0
|
|
5 |
|
DT |
|
61 | 81 | 79 |
73.0
|
|
6 |
|
DL /ED |
|
65 | 72 | 77 |
60.0
|
|
7 |
|
DT |
|
56 | 77 | 77 |
69.0
|
|
8 |
|
DT |
|
75 | 75 | 75 |
75.0
|
|
9 |
|
DT |
|
57 | 67 | 74 |
62.0
|
|
10 |
|
DT |
|
68 | 71 | 73 |
71.0
|
|
11 |
|
DT |
|
36 | 57 | 73 |
60.0
|
|
12 |
|
DT |
|
69 | 68 | 73 |
63.0
|
|
13 |
|
DT |
|
76 | 69 | 73 |
74.0
|
|
14 |
|
DT |
|
72 | 69 | 70 |
89.0
|
|
15 |
|
DT |
|
48 | 53 | 69 |
53.0
|
|
16 |
|
DT |
|
49 | 67 | 67 |
67.0
|
|
17 |
|
DT |
|
47 | 65 | 66 |
65.0
|
|
18 |
|
DL /ED |
|
43 | 64 | 66 |
65.0
|
|
19 |
|
DT |
|
45 | 66 | 65 |
73.0
|
|
20 |
|
DT |
|
55 | 58 | 65 |
53.0
|