More evidence of how Colts star DT DeForest Buckner is massively underrated across the NFL
I'm not sure why Indianapolis Colts star DT DeForest Buckner continues to be overlooked by many around the NFL. The most recent evidence comes with his ranking being significantly too low inside a top 10 DT ranking made from a survey filled out by NFL executives, scouts, and coaches that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler released. DeForest Buckner Ranking: […]
I'm not sure why Indianapolis Colts star DT DeForest Buckner continues to be overlooked by many around the NFL.
The most recent evidence comes with his ranking being significantly too low inside a top 10 DT ranking made from a survey filled out by NFL executives, scouts, and coaches that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler released.
DeForest Buckner
Ranking: 8th
Highest Ranking: 2nd
Lowest Ranking: Unranked
Buckner is a model of consistency, registering at least seven sacks every year since 2018.
His 52 sacks during that span rank near the top among interior rushers. And his 15.6% pass rush win rate as an interior defender was third on this list.
"He's the guy that's probably never in the top three but will always be in the top 10," an NFL scouting director said. "Consistent. Really productive. Plays with the best motor of any of the D-linemen."
Buckner came in at eighth and was behind the following players: Chris Jones, Quinnen WIlliams, Dexter Lawrence II, Jeffery Simmons, Justin Madubuike, Christian Wilkins, and Derrick Brown. Which, to be honest, is hard for me to wrap my head around. Because I don't see how anyone can believe there are seven DTs better than Buckner.
Buckner has been one of the most consistent defensive linemen in the interior for quite some time, and he's done it without any next-level talent off the edge in Indianapolis. The Colts used their 2024 first-round pick on edge rusher Laiatu Latu, and the hope is that he will be able to become the star pass rusher they've been missing. A player some have compared Latu to being one of the best pass rushers in the NFL in T.J. Watt. And if he is able to become that caliber of player, I'd expect to see Buckner face significantly fewer double teams as teams have to spread out their offensive line's focus. This could result in him setting new career highs across the board at 30 years old.
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Execs, coaches, and scouts ranked Colts Jonathan Taylor as a top 10 RB in the NFL
Last year was truly a roller coaster for Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor. From his public contract dispute and trade request to him returning to the field with a new contract. But even with all that transpiring, he still found himself ranked inside the top 10 RBs in the league voted on by NFL executives, scouts, and […]
