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NFL Player Grades: What defenders passed the test?

By Lyle Graversen

Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) celebrates after making a sack during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) celebrates after making a sack during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 16, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) lies on top of Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) lies on top of Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Tackles

Making The Grade:

Gerald McCoy – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I almost didn’t put McCoy on this list because he’s such a no brainer. Everyone that’s paying attention knows that he’s fantastic so you don’t need me to tell you. However, his PFF numbers are SO impressive I had to share them. His +11.1 PFF grade on just 33 snaps is INSANE. That’s literally double the score of the number two rated DT. He’s got a +6.4 grade for rushing the passer and a +4.6 against the run. McCoy is off the charts like no other defender on this list.

Sen’Derrick Marks – Jacksonville Jaguars

Marks looks like he may become the anchor of an up and coming Jacksonville defensive front. His +4.2 grade is currently good for seventh in the NFL at his position this preseason and his +3.4 pass rushing grade is one of the tops amongst defensive tackles. Gus Bradley will likely count on Marks to be a force in the middle of his defense moving forward.

Missing The Mark:

Nick Fairley – Detroit Lions

Fairley has had a disappointing NFL career thus far and his preseason play this year is not showing signs of him getting things turned around yet. If you take all the DTs that PFF have graded this preseason into account, Fairley is currently ranked 135th with an overall grade of -1.7. That grade includes negative scores in both pass rushing and run defense. Not what you want from a former first round pick.

Dan Williams – Arizona Cardinals

Dan Williams numbers this season are a disappointment in themselves. His -2.9 overall score (including a -1.4 run defense grade) and 145th overall ranking amongst DTs are bad enough, but with Darnell Dockett now done for the season the Cardinals can’t afford for Williams to underwhelm once the games count.

Next up, the defensive ends…..

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