Defensive Tackle DeForest Buckner
To say that third-year defensive tackle DeForest Buckner doesn’t get the respect that he deserves is an understatement. And to prove it, here are some statistics to show why:
- He came away with 19 QB hits, which led all interior defensive players.
- Over the last two seasons, the former Duck has played in 1,873 snaps. It’s the most by any interior lineman over that period.
- He came away with a PFF grade of 90.4, as well as an 82.6 run-defense grade and an 89.6 pass-rushing grade.
- He’s also doing all of this before even turning 25.
Buckner isn’t just a Pro Bowl talent; many consider him to be a future Defensive Player of the Year. If you don’t believe that, then look at what All-Pro defensive lineman, Michael Bennett had to say about him before the 2017 season.
I think DeForest will eventually be a Defensive Player of the Year. I think he has the talent to be able to do that… there’s nobody like him. He’s not normal. His physique, his speed, it’s not normal so when you’re not normal you can do not normal things and winning the defensive MVP is not normal for most people.
He’s already gaining acclaim from his fellow peers and should look to build off of what he did in 2017. Yes, he only came away with three sacks. But now that the front seven is finding the right scheme and the players are in a system they’re familiar with for the second year in a row, Buckner should earn some individual honors.
