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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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Defensive Ends

Making The Grade:

Margus Hunt – Cincinnati Bengals

Hunt was a second round pick in 2013 that was seen as having a lot of raw potential, but he wasn’t able to turn that into on the field production as a rookie last season. This preseason, that doesn’t seem to be a problem. Hunt’s +7.2 overall grade is good for second amongst 4-3 DEs and he has graded out equally well in both run defense and rushing the QB. If these preseason grades are for real, Hunt may just live up to the potential that many saw in him coming out of college.

O’Brien Schofield – Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks seem to have so many different weapons on their team that it’s almost not fair to the rest of the NFL. Coming out of college Schofield was seen as a player with some pass rush upside. This preseason that upside is definitely on display for all to see. Not only is his +4.7 grade good for third amongst 4-3 defensive ends, his +5.4 pass rushing grade is tops at his position.

Missing The Mark:

Michael Johnson – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Johnson was brought in this offseason as Tampa’s biggest free agent acquisition. The Bucs brought him in to add some much needed pass rush to their defensive front. So far this preseason Johnson has been underwhelming. His -2.4 overall PFF score includes negative scores for both stopping the run and rushing the passer.

Kendall Reyes – San Diego Chargers

After a somewhat promising rookie season two years ago, Reyes was a disappointment last season, especially against the run. Those struggles appear to be carrying over to the 2014 preseason. Reyes has an overall PFF graded of -5.7, largely because of his -5.0 grade against the run. If Reyes is going to stay on the field and not be a liability those numbers will have to get better.

Now on the linebackers…….

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