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 |
|
94 | 100 | 100 |
94.8
|
|
2 |
|
DE /ED |
|
85 | 77 | 83 |
78.4
|
|
3 |
|
DE /ED |
|
85 | 83 | 88 |
88.5
|
|
4 |
|
DE |
|
83 | 90 | 81 |
87.4
|
|
5 |
|
DE /ED |
|
78 | 85 | 93 |
83.8
|
|
6 |
|
DE |
|
76 | 59 | 82 |
62.0
|
|
7 |
|
DE /ED |
|
75 | 90 | 72 |
85.9
|
|
8 |
|
DE /ED |
|
74 | 98 | 85 |
88.6
|
|
9 |
|
DE /ED |
|
74 | 66 | 78 |
59.2
|
|
10 |
|
DE /ED |
|
73 | 67 | 59 |
64.0
|
|
11 |
|
DE /ED |
|
72 | 92 | 78 |
89.3
|
|
12 |
|
DE /ED |
|
72 | 73 | 81 |
89.6
|
|
13 |
|
DE /ED |
|
72 | 91 | 90 |
87.0
|
|
14 |
|
DE /ED |
|
70 | 80 | 71 |
53.0
|
|
15 |
|
DE /ED |
|
69 | 94 | 76 |
88.8
|
|
16 |
|
DE /ED |
|
69 | 99 | 70 |
84.2
|
|
17 |
|
DE /ED |
|
67 | 85 | 71 |
78.3
|
|
18 |
|
DE /ED |
|
66 | 54 | 62 |
51.0
|
|
19 |
|
DE /ED |
|
66 | 65 | 82 |
73.0
|
|
20 |
|
DE /ED |
|
65 | 76 | 70 |
76.0
|