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 |
|
46 | 77 | 86 |
78.4
|
|
2 |
|
DT |
|
44 | 66 | 78 |
72.8
|
|
3 |
|
DT |
|
63 | 67 | 78 |
78.8
|
|
4 |
|
DT |
|
61 | 76 | 75 |
81.2
|
|
5 |
|
DT |
|
68 | 64 | 74 |
78.0
|
|
6 |
|
DL /ED |
|
61 | 76 | 74 |
58.6
|
|
7 |
|
DT |
|
60 | 79 | 74 |
83.1
|
|
8 |
|
DT |
|
56 | 64 | 74 |
83.1
|
|
9 |
|
DT |
|
40 | 84 | 70 |
88.1
|
|
10 |
|
DT |
|
53 | 57 | 68 |
74.0
|
|
11 |
|
DT |
|
74 | 63 | 68 |
74.1
|
|
12 |
|
DT |
|
74 | 74 | 66 |
79.9
|
|
13 |
|
DT |
|
58 | 86 | 64 |
85.1
|
|
14 |
|
DT |
|
57 | 58 | 63 |
74.0
|
|
15 |
|
DT |
|
35 | 45 | 49 |
45.0
|