Ranking the highest-graded run-blockers and run-defenders from the 2025 NFL season
- A dominant season from Aaron Brewer: The Dolphins center recorded the highest PFF run-blocking grade by a center in four years.
- Jack Campbell adds another feather to his cap: The Lions stud notched the best single-season PFF run-defense grade for a linebacker in 2025.
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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. As the regular season ends, we’ll highlight the highest-graded run-blockers and run defenders from each position.
OFFENSE
Tackle: Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions – 96.8
Penei Sewell reclaims his title as the PFF’s highest-graded run-blocking tackle after Jordan Mailata took it from him in 2024. Sewell has been dominant from the day he stepped into the NFL, and in the past three seasons, he’s had at least a 90.0 PFF run-blocking grade. His 2025 season tops them, all as his 96.8 PFF run-blocking grade is a career high — thanks in large part to his performance in Week 3, where he earned the highest single-game run-blocking grade in PFF history at 99.3.
Honorable Mention: Trent WilliamsSan Francisco49ers – 92.8
Guard: Quinn Meinerz, Denver Broncos – 92.1
Quinn Meinerz, like Sewell, took back the crown as PFF’s highest-graded run-blocking guard after Chris Lindstrom grabbed it last season. Meinerz somehow continues to get even better as a run-blocker. He’s had three straight seasons of at least an 85.0 PFF run-blocking grade, and in 2025 he earned a career high 92.1 mark. Meinerz looks set to receive his second straight All-Pro nod.
Honorable Mention: Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons – 91.7
Center: Aaron Brewer, Miami Dolphins – 91.5
While it wasn’t the season that Dolphins fans foresaw, Aaron Brewer had a dominant season en route to a career year. Brewer earned career highs in both PFF pass- and run-blocking grade this year, but it was his run-blocking that may have earned him the honor of being named an All-Pro. Brewer’s 91.5 PFF run-blocking grade in 2025 was the highest run-blocking mark any center has earned since 2021.
Honorable Mention: Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs – 88.5
DEFENSE
Linebacker: Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions – 93.0
Jack Campbell was incredible against the run in 2025. The third-year linebacker accrued a 93.0 PFF run-defense grade, which is the highest single season run-defense grade for a linebacker in PFF history. Campbell led all linebackers with 71 tackles against the run with 44 run stops while only having four missed tackles.
Honorable Mention: , – 92.7
Edge Defender: DeMarcus Lawrence, Seattle Seahawks – 85.0
DeMarcus Lawrence has always been a force against the run, and in his first season in Seattle, he continued to dominate. The veteran edge rusher has generated at least an 80.0 PFF run-defense grade in seven of his 11 seasons throughout his illustrious career. In 2025, Lawrence was the only edge defender with multiple forced fumbles against the run and recorded the second-highest run stop percentage at 9.2%.
Honorable Mention: , – 83.0
Defensive Tackle: Quinnen Williams, Dallas Cowboys/New York Jets – 91.7
Quinnen Williams had quite the whirlwind of a season after being traded at the deadline to the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys got everything they were hoping for and more when they acquired Williams. The former third overall pick garnered a 91.7 PFF run-defense grade, which was a career high. Williams forced two fumbles in the run game and led all interior defensive linemen with a ridiculous 14.0% run stop percentage — nearly 2.5% higher than the next-best.
