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 |
|
71 | 76 | 95 |
84.9
|
|
2 |
|
DT |
|
80 | 71 | 88 |
86.2
|
|
3 |
|
DT |
|
71 | 78 | 87 |
81.2
|
|
4 |
|
DT |
|
61 | 71 | 86 |
77.0
|
|
5 |
|
DT |
|
32 | 79 | 81 |
80.0
|
|
6 |
|
DT |
|
62 | 73 | 80 |
74.2
|
|
7 |
|
DT |
|
56 | 78 | 79 |
88.6
|
|
8 |
|
DT |
|
62 | 72 | 78 |
86.3
|
|
9 |
|
DT |
|
77 | 77 | 77 |
75.0
|
|
10 |
|
DT |
|
71 | 74 | 76 |
81.3
|
|
11 |
|
DT |
|
75 | 75 | 75 |
75.0
|
|
12 |
|
DT |
|
33 | 70 | 74 |
81.2
|
|
13 |
|
DT |
|
57 | 64 | 73 |
86.9
|
|
14 |
|
DT |
|
70 | 64 | 71 |
82.4
|
|
15 |
|
DT |
|
43 | 73 | 69 |
77.0
|
|
16 |
|
DT |
|
52 | 66 | 69 |
67.7
|
|
17 |
|
DT |
|
49 | 66 | 65 |
63.5
|
|
18 |
|
DT |
|
66 | 55 | 59 |
64.1
|