For a defensive end the tackling grade is about finishing in the backfield: converting a beaten tackle into a stop, wrapping up a quarterback rather than bouncing off, and not missing on the edge. Myles Garrett (Texas A&M) and Joey Bosa (Ohio State) were as reliable finishing as they were getting there.
The table ranks this year’s draft-eligible defensive ends by tackling grade, alongside pass rush, run defense and overall rating.
| RANK | Player | Pos | Team | TACKLING | PASS RUSH | RUN DEFENSE | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
|
DE /ED |
|
80 | 95 | 89 |
90.0
|
|
2 |
|
DE /ED |
|
74 | 74 | 74 |
75.0
|
|
3 |
|
DE /ED |
|
69 | 80 | 78 |
78.0
|
|
4 |
|
DE /ED |
|
66 | 67 | 65 |
33.0
|
|
5 |
|
DE /ED |
|
66 | 79 | 85 |
85.0
|
|
6 |
|
DE /ED |
|
66 | 87 | 76 |
91.0
|
|
7 |
|
DE /ED |
|
66 | 88 | 86 |
89.0
|
|
8 |
|
DE /ED |
|
65 | 80 | 84 |
79.0
|
|
9 |
|
DE /ED |
|
65 | 81 | 85 |
82.0
|
|
10 |
|
DE /ED |
|
63 | 84 | 82 |
66.0
|
|
11 |
|
DE /ED |
|
63 | 66 | 62 |
58.0
|
|
12 |
|
DE |
|
62 | 58 | 65 |
55.0
|
|
13 |
|
DE /ED |
|
61 | 73 | 64 |
59.0
|
|
14 |
|
DE /ED |
|
59 | 55 | 54 |
55.0
|
|
15 |
|
DE /ED |
|
59 | 59 | 65 |
35.0
|
|
16 |
|
DE /ED |
|
59 | 61 | 74 |
43.0
|
|
17 |
|
DE /ED |
|
58 | 82 | 69 |
66.0
|
|
18 |
|
DE /ED |
|
58 | 75 | 75 |
77.0
|
|
19 |
|
DE /ED |
|
56 | 65 | 71 |
53.0
|
|
20 |
|
DE |
|
56 | 72 | 67 |
64.0
|