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Despite a significant drop, DeForest Buckner is the second Colts player to make the Top 100

By Jaleel Grandberry

Nov 21, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Defensive tackle of the Indianapolis Colts, DeForest Buckner, has returned to the NFL’s top 100 list but his ranking has dropped.

DeForest Buckner has long been established as one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL and that’s why the Indianapolis Colts traded for him in 2020. He’s been a consistent force in the middle of Indy’s defensive front and also a consistent presence on the NFL’s Top 100 list.

The annual ranking of NFL players by NFL players has become one of the most respected offseason honors. Recently, Buckner made the latest version of the list at No. 66. While it’s still impressive to even be on the list, Buckner dropped significantly from last year’s ranking of No. 27.

Buckner is coming off his second Pro Bowl season, a year where he had seven sacks, 68 tackles, 10 for a loss, and 10 quarterback hits. His pass rushing and run-stopping ability helped Indianapolis have another solid defense last season.

DeForest Buckner ranked No. 66

In breaking down DeForest Buckner’s ranking, his peers talked a lot about how he’s “a freak of nature.” Fellow NFL players are amazed by Buckner’s size and his ability to move well at his size. Buckner is 6-foot-7, 295 pounds, and he’s able to move with speed and agility around the field to track down ball carriers much smaller than him.

Kenny Moore talked about how much Buckner opens things up for his teammates since he’s getting double-teamed so often, but that may change this year. Just as Indy traded for DeForest, the team traded for Yannick Ngakoue this offseason. Additionally, 2021 first-round draft pick, Kwity Paye, is primed for a breakout season.

With so much help now on the defensive line, Buckner may not see as many double teams as he usually does. That means he and his fellow defensive linemen should have a productive year of getting after the quarterback. That’s something the Colts haven’t had in a while and that’s why they made the moves they did. With another dominant season, Buckner should be on his way back up the Top 100 list.

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