Ranking the NFL’s highest-graded run blockers and defenders in Week 13
- Quinn Meinerz is a wrecking ball: The Broncos guard is PFF’s highest-graded in the NFL, thanks to his incredible 90.3 PFF run-blocking grade.
- Two Ravens defenders shined against the Bengals: Roquan Smith and Travis Jones each received PFF run-defense grades of at least 89.0 in Week 13.
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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 – 87.8
While the Giants ended up with another loss Monday night, Andrew Thomas continues to prove he’s one of the league’s best tackles. Thomas is now the third-highest-graded tackle in the NFL and one of just three tackles with a PFF run-blocking and pass-blocking grade over 80.0. He continues to dominate in all aspects and prove that a healthy Andrew Thomas is a force.
Honorable Mention: Mike McGlinchey, Denver Broncos – 85.4
Guard: Quinn Meinerz, Denver Broncos – 94.5
Quinn Menierz and the Denver Broncos won a thriller in overtime, and Meinerz was once again dominant in the run game. Meinerz is PFF’s highest-graded guard in the NFL, thanks to his incredible 90.3 PFF run-blocking grade. Meinerz continues to assert he is among the elite guards in the NFL after back-to-back seasons with an overall PFF grade over 83.0.
Honorable Mention: , – 93.0
Center: Ethan Pocic, Cleveland Browns – 83.2
Ethan Pocic played his best game of the season in Week 13, posting a PFF pass-blocking and run-blocking grade over 83.0. The veteran center was at his best in the run game, earning his second-highest single game PFF run-blocking grade since joining the Browns. It’s been a rough year for the Browns’ offense, but Week 13 was by far their best performance as a unit.
Honorable Mention: Ryan Neuzil, Atlanta Falcons – 80.7
DEFENSE
Linebacker: Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens – 89.4
Roquan Smith and the Baltimore Ravens suffered a tough defeat on Thanksgiving, but Smith still had one of his better outings of the season. Smith was a force in the run game, tallying seven total tackles and his highest single-game PFF run-defense grade of 2025. The former All-Pro linebacker is starting to round back into form. Over the last three weeks, Smith’s 86.1 overall PFF grade is second-highest among all linebackers.
Honorable Mention: Shaq Thompson, BuffaloBills – 87.9
Edge Defender: Byron Young, Los Angeles Rams – 80.5
The Los Angeles Rams’ six-game winning streak came to an end in Week 13, but Byron Young still performed well in all aspects — specifically against the run. Young has been one of the better all-around edge defenders in the NFL this season, as he’s one of just three edge rushers to have a PFF pass-rush and run-defense grade over 76.0. Young made three tackles and one run stop in Week 13, helping him earn his highest single-game run-defending grade this year.
Honorable Mention: , Pittsburgh Steelers – 80.5
Defensive Tackle: Travis Jones, Baltimore Ravens – 93.1
Travis Jones was a force against the run in Week 13. Jones’ 93.1 PFF run-defense grade was the highest among all defenders in Week 13. Jones registered five total tackles, four run stops and added a forced fumble to top it off. The fourth-year defensive lineman has played some of the best football of his career over the back half of the season. Since Week 9, Jones is the second-highest-graded interior defensive lineman.
