T.J. Watt tops PFF run-defense grades at 92.8

Smith posts 92.5 ahead of Week 5

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 55m1 min read

Highest run defense grade this season T.J. Watt 92.8 Tykee Smith 92.5 Will A Via @PFF on X

What happened: PFF listed T.J. Watt atop its 2026 run-defense grades at 92.8. Tykee Smith followed at 92.5, with Jamel Dean at 91.3 and Jevon Holland at 90.8.

Why it matters: Run defense separates every-down edge value from pass-rush totals through four weeks. Watt made 55 tackles with 7 sacks in 14 games in 2025, while Smith made 100 tackles in 16 games.

By the numbers: Watt 92.8, Smith 92.5, Dean 91.3, Holland 90.8 in PFF run defense; Dean made 46 tackles with 3 interceptions in 2025, Holland made 63 tackles with 1 interception.

What to watch: Week 5 qualifying snaps will move the leaderboard.

Sources

@PFF 2026-10-07T13:31:14.408347+00:00

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