Ranking the NFL’s highest-graded run blockers and defenders in Week 10
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- Jordyn Brooks propelled Miami’s upset win: The Dolphins linebacker forced a fumble and added four run stops.
- Coleman Shelton is a bulwark for the Rams: Shelton is tied for the highest-graded run-blocking center this season.
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Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes
At PFF, the run game matters just as much as the pass game, and every play is meticulously graded. Each week, we’ll be looking at the highest-graded run blockers and run defenders from each position.
OFFENSE
Tackle: Andrew Thomas, New York Giants – 91.9
A healthy Andrew Thomas is back to being one of the best tackles in the NFL. His 86.9 overall PFF grade is the third-highest among all tackles. On top of that, he’s the only tackle in the NFL to have both a top-10 run- and pass-block grade. On Sunday, Thomas showed why he’s a premier run-blocker. He was dominant against the Bears, posting a 91.9 PFF run-blocking grade — the highest of his career.
Honorable Mention: Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles – 91.6
Guard: Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons – 90.7
Chris Lindstrom continues to dominate in the run game. He thrives in Atlanta’s heavy zone scheme and has recorded four consecutive seasons with a PFF run-block grade over 87.0. Lindstrom didn’t get off to a hot start this season, but he’s turned things around these past two weeks after generating the fourth-highest PFF run-blocking grade last week. That figure was the highest in Week 10 among all guards.
Honorable Mention: Kevin Dotson, Los Angeles Rams – 90.5
Center: Coleman Shleton, Los Angeles Rams – 90.3
The Rams’ offense continues to fire on all cylinders. While Matthew Stafford and the passing game get all the shine, the team’s run game has been fantastic. The Rams’ offensive line is currently PFF’s highest-graded run-blocking unit, and Coleman Shelton is a big reason for it. Shelton is having a career year, as he’s played just one game with a PFF run-blocking grade below 60.0. The veteran currently tied for the highest-graded run-blocking center (88.6).
Honorable Mention: Tanor Bortolini – Indianapolis Colts – 85.3
DEFENSE
Linebacker: Jordyn Brooks, Miami Dolphins – 94.1
The Miami Dolphins dominated on both sides of the ball en route to a win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Jordyn Brooks, along with many others, had his best game of the season — thanks in large part to his incredible performance against the run. Brooks’ 94.1 PFF run-defense grade was mostly fueled by a forced fumble and four run stops, and it was the second-highest single-game grade by a linebacker this season.
Honorable Mention: Pete Werner, New Orleans Saints – 84.4
Edge Defender: Greg Rousseau, Buffalo Bills – 83.2
Despite the loss, Greg Rousseau continues to be one of the better run defenders this season. He is currently PFF’s highest-graded edge defender against the run with his 87.9 PFF run-defense grade. Rousseau tallied three run stops on Sunday and is now tied for the second-most among edge defenders this season.
Honorable Mention: Jalon Walker, Atlanta Falcons – 81.4
Defensive Tackle: Greg Gaines, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 86.2
Greg Gaines played his best game of the year on Sunday. Gaines’ 89.3 overall PFF grade is his highest single-game grade in 2025. Gaines made two run stops, nearly doubling his season total while missing zero tackles.
