Run defense grade for a linebacker scores play recognition, taking on and shedding blocks, and getting to the ball on every running play. It is the trait that separates a three-down linebacker from a coverage specialist. Reuben Foster (Alabama) and Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame) both graded at the top here in college.
The table ranks this year’s draft-eligible linebackers by run defense grade, alongside tackling, pass rush, coverage and overall rating.
| RANK | Player | Pos | Team | TACKLING | PASS RUSH | RUN DEFENSE | COVERAGE | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
|
LB |
|
83 | 86 | 100 | 82 |
87.5
|
|
2 |
|
LB |
|
76 | 60 | 93 | 80 |
85.6
|
|
3 |
|
LB |
|
87 | 79 | 93 | 78 |
79.0
|
|
4 |
|
LB |
|
84 | 86 | 93 | 81 |
87.1
|
|
5 |
|
LB |
|
94 | 78 | 89 | 56 |
83.5
|
|
6 |
|
LB /ED |
|
72 | 81 | 89 | 57 |
85.9
|
|
7 |
|
LB |
|
86 | 65 | 86 | 54 |
82.0
|
|
8 |
|
LB /ED |
|
72 | 88 | 86 | 69 |
86.7
|
|
9 |
|
LB |
|
77 | 83 | 85 | 75 |
85.9
|
|
10 |
|
LB |
|
69 | 67 | 83 | 74 |
80.0
|
|
11 |
|
LB |
|
62 | 74 | 83 | 74 |
76.7
|
|
12 |
|
LB |
|
84 | 77 | 81 | 83 |
83.4
|
|
13 |
|
LB |
|
77 | 56 | 80 | 69 |
80.2
|
|
14 |
|
LB /ED |
|
55 | 85 | 80 | 60 |
88.4
|
|
15 |
|
LB |
|
74 | 55 | 80 | 55 |
80.1
|
|
16 |
|
LB /ED |
|
77 | 97 | 79 | 62 |
91.1
|
|
17 |
|
LB /ED |
|
71 | 62 | 78 | 84 |
87.1
|
|
18 |
|
LB /ED |
|
52 | 74 | 78 | 83 |
87.4
|
|
19 |
|
LB |
|
61 | 63 | 77 | 66 |
87.1
|
|
20 |
|
LB /ED |
|
54 | 73 | 76 | 64 |
84.5
|