Ranking the NFL's highest-graded run blockers and defenders in Week 4

Darian Kinnard stepped up in place of Zach Tom: After playing just 28 snaps last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kinnard made the most of his first career game with at least 30 snaps — earning the highest run-blocking grade among all tackles in Week 4.

Maxx Crosby was everywhere for the Raiders: The star edge defender finished as the fifth-highest graded edge defender in Week 4 and made an impact both as a pass rusher and run defender. Crosby recorded two run stops with an average depth of tackle of -0.5 yards, consistently disrupting plays behind the line of scrimmage.

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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: Darian Kinnard, Green Bay Packers (88.8)

Darian Kinnard stepped up in place of Zach Tom and delivered a dominant run-blocking performance on Sunday night. After playing just 28 snaps last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kinnard made the most of his first career game with at least 30 snaps — earning the highest run-blocking grade among all tackles in Week 4.

Honorable mention: Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions (86.9)

Guard: Ed Ingram, Houston Texans (90.6)

Ed Ingram’s 90.6 run-blocking grade led all offensive linemen in Week 4. He’s quietly been a force in the run game and has recorded his second run-blocking grade above 80.0 this season. Through four weeks, Ingram is now the highest-graded run-blocking guard in the NFL.

Honorable mention: Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys (86.1)

Center: Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs (82.4)

Creed Humphrey turned in his best run-blocking performance of the season on Sunday, signaling a return to form. It took a few weeks, but the All-Pro center is once again dominating in the run game. Since entering the NFL, Humphrey has been one of the league’s top centers — particularly as a run blocker — never posting a run-blocking grade below 84.0 in any season.

Honorable mention: Connor McGovern, Buffalo Bills (74.3)

DEFENSE

Linebacker: Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans (90.0)

It’s been a tough season for the Titans, but second-year linebacker Cedric Gray has emerged as a clear bright spot. Gray has posted a run-defense grade of at least 72.0 in four straight games, capped by a 90.0 mark in Week 4. He now ranks as the second-highest-graded linebacker against the run through four weeks.

Honorable mention: Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville Jaguars (87.1)

Edge: Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders (79.2)

Maxx Crosby was everywhere for the Raiders on Sunday, delivering a dominant all-around performance. He finished as the fifth-highest graded edge defender in Week 4 and made an impact both as a pass rusher and run defender. Crosby recorded two run stops with an average depth of tackle of -0.5 yards, consistently disrupting plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Honorable mention: Rashan Gary, Green Bay Packers (79.0)

Defensive Tackle: Quinnen Williams, New York Jets (90.1)

Despite the Jets’ rough start to the season, Quinnen Williams has remained a dominant force on the defensive line. Following his NFL-best 90.1 run-defense grade in Week 4, Williams now ranks as the highest-graded interior defender against the run by a wide margin. He recorded four run stops and added a forced fumble on Monday Night Football, continuing his elite level of play.