Barham leads rookie linebackers with 80.6 run-defense grade

Reese next at 74.2, Trotter at 73.8

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

Highest run defense grade among rookie LB this season Jaishawn Barham 80.6 Arvell Reese 74.2 Josia Via @PFF on X

What happened: PFF's rookie linebacker run-defense table spans 80.6 to 62.5 across its top five. Reese sits second at 74.2 and Trotter third at 73.8, followed by Dugger at 68.5 and Boettcher at 62.5.

Why it matters: The order puts third-round pick No. 92 overall Barham ahead of first-round No. 5 overall Reese on early downs. It extends the start for the same Barham who ranked as PFF's highest-graded rookie in September, marking run defense as his clearest early role.

By the numbers: Barham 80.6, Reese 74.2, Trotter 73.8, Dugger 68.5, Boettcher 62.5; top-three gap is 6.8 points.

What to watch: The next month will show whether Barham holds separation as rookie snap counts grow.

Sources

@PFF 2026-10-21T15:17:15.322723+00:00

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