2016 NFL Draft Scouting Reports: Oregon’s DeForest Buckner 2016 Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Oregon’s DeForest Buckner 2016 Scouting Report
DeForest Buckner is an impressive physical specimen thanks to his combination of size and athleticism. He’s highly regarded by many NFL evaluators with some projecting him as a top-10 pick. However, my scouting report is nowhere near as positive.
Buckner is a tremendous athlete who is a fluid mover especially when compared to others with his size. He has the arm length evaluators look for as well as the change of direction ability. The issue is that most NFL players are great athletes.
My biggest concern is that Buckner doesn’t play with urgency and lacks that “it” factor. He appears to be playing at half speed and not really playing up to his potential. This clip shows Buckner slowly getting off the line and generating no pressure off the edge:
In fact, Buckner isn’t someone who will consistently generate pressure on the quarterback. He doesn’t show that explosiveness needed to reach the edge and turn the corner. Buckner flashes the strength to employ a power rush, but again doesn’t jump off the screen as a difference maker.
This isn’t to say that Buckner is a horrible football player. He just doesn’t play up to his potential or the hype surrounding his draft stock. Buckner is a solid performer who can hold at the point of attack and make plays when the ball comes to his side of the field.
Someone needs to light a fire under him in order to spark more production. There will be plenty of defensive coaches who look at Buckner and see a future star. However, they’ll also see someone who needs more work.
Current Draft Position: 2nd Round