Oregon Ducks rising senior defensive lineman DeForest Buckner has been named the top interior defensive lineman to watch in 2015 by NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein, beating out players such as Robert Nkemdiche of Ole Miss and Auburn’s Montravius Adams.
Speaking of Buckner, Zierlein went into detail as to why he is one to watch.
“Buckner might have been drafted ahead of teammate Arik Armstead (selected 17th overall in the 2015 draft) if he had come out after last season, but going back to Oregon will almost certainly elevate his draft stock. Buckner can play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 as a defensive end,” he wrote.
“Offensive lines knew where he was at all times and forced him to earn his sacks and pressures, but his tape shows an impressive spin move and arm-over that he already uses effectively as a pass rusher. With the size and strength to control the line of scrimmage and alter running games, Buckner should give Pac-12 offensive linemen the blues this season.”
Not surprising at all, as Buckner has eye-popping size for his position at 6-foot-7, 290 pounds and has put up great numbers in three years in Eugene.
Over that stretch, he has 148 total tackles, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. On a team that to the naked eye is defined by its offense, Buckner and former teammate Arik Armstrong (as well as many others) have made Oregon’s defense one to watch.
That said, keep an eye on him to rise up draft boards and maybe even enter the Heisman race his senior year.
Oregon opens the 2015 season at home on September 5 against the Big Sky’s Eastern Washington Eagles.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
