Colts Reportedly Met with Oregon Defensive End DeForest Buckner at NFL Combine
According to WalterFootball’s Charlie Campbell, the Indianapolis Colts had a formal interview with Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner at this past weekend’s NFL Combine:
Per sources formal Combine interviews #Packers- DT Chris Jones. #Chiefs- OT Caleb Benenoch. #Colts- DeForest Buckner. #Titans- Derrick Henry
— Charlie Campbell (@DraftCampbell) March 2, 2016
At 6’7″, 291 pounds, Buckner is regarded as one of the best defensive lineman in this year’s draft class.
He’s coming off a senior season with the Ducks in which he was the team’s second-leading tackler with 83 tackles, as well as recorded 17 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks–earning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year honors.
At this past weekend’s NFL Combine, Buckner recorded a 5.05 forty time, 32.0 inch vertical jump, and 7.51 in the 3-cone drill–all impressive measurables.
Not to mention, he has the largest hands in NFL Combine history:
DeForest Buckner (@WinTheDay) is clocked in at 5.06u again in his 2nd attempt.
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 28, 2016
His 11 3/4 inch hands are the largest in #NFLCombine history
Of course, there’s a good chance that Buckner is long gone by the time Colts pick at #18 overall, as he’s currently projected to be at least a Top 10 pick by many mocks–even coming in at #3 overall in Todd McShay’s latest mock draft and is NFL Network Mike Mayock‘s top interior defensive lineman:
DeForest Buckner with 2 good runs at 291 lbs. 5-flat on both runs. I think he's a top-5 guy. #NFLCombine
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) February 28, 2016
Here’s what his NFL.com draft profile reads:
"NFL COMPARISONCalais Campbell"
"BOTTOM LINEHeaded into this season, Buckner was a traits prospect who flashed with quickness, strength and overall athleticism, but he put those traits together in 2015. Buckner has the body type of a classic 3-4 defensive end who can control the point of attack with length and power, but he has above average pass rush potential for that position which figures to push him into the early stages of round one. Buckner has similar power to former teammate Arik Armstead, but is a much better pass rusher and has a chance to become a dominant force in the NFL."
"DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon: 6-7, 291. Started 38 of 54 games. “Comes in and starts,” one scout said. “Not as dynamic obviously as Bosa. More of a run-down player for a 3-4 team, but he has some pass rush to him.” Finished with 18 sacks and 36 tackles for loss. Wonderlic score of 9. Widely regarded as a better prospect than former Duck DE Arik Armstead, who went 17th last year to the 49ers. “They play a two-gap 3-4 there,” said another scout. “He’s got a chance to be an impact guy. He kind of plays all across the front.” Hands measured an incredible 11¾ inches."
Like I said “long gone” is probably the word when linking Buckner to the Colts, but at the same time, it’s fun to think of what could be in Horseshoe Blue:
Here's exactly why we're obsessed with top prospect DeForest Buckner. https://t.co/nf42Fi2d7f pic.twitter.com/OQld1KVNvZ
— PFF (@PFF) February 25, 2016
That being said, defensive end is actually one of the Colts roster’s strong suits, as veteran Kendall Langford delivered an impressive debut season with the team and rookie Henry Anderson also turned heads before a season-ending knee injury.
It also helps that Arthur Jones will be returning after his own season-ending injury, so the Colts figure to have a trio of talented defensive ends.
There’s a remote chance that Buckner actually slides, but the Colts would be hard-pressed to pass on an incredible talent like him even with their defensive end depth.
Here’s a list of other prospects the Colts have reportedly interviewed at the NFL Combine:
Clemson CB Mackensie Alexander
Michigan State OT Jack Conklin
Boise State OLB Kamalei Correa