Draft Prospect:Deforest Buckner

Deforest Buckner to Tampa Bay? Perhaps but the good news is Jason Licht is really good and won't fall for the trap that Buckner appears to be. I believe in a specific strategy when it comes to drafting in the top ten, and its real simple, get an explosive athlete. Usually position wise, that is left tackle, pass rusher(DE), wide receiver, cornerback, and linebacker, but the point is get the best player who has the skill set to go with the athleticism. This is why I don't see Buckner coming to Tampa, because even though he has a good skill set, he just doesn't have the athleticism to be the pass rusher needed at the defensive end position.

Buckner is a good two way defensive end as he is outstanding against the run racking up over 150 tackles the past two years, however he wont be that double digit sack guy because he lacks the necessary speed to be an edge rusher. Buckner is a great fit for the 3-4 scheme, where he could play the 5 technique and really excel there as a two way DE. Different story in a 4-3 scheme, where he would be best suited as 3-tech DT, where he could be a force against the run, and provide 6 to 8 sacks a year. Scouts have mixed opinions, here is Scott Wright of Draftcountdown.com:

"I think Buckner is definitely capable of playing defensive end in an even front. Thrive? Like double-digit sacks? Probably not," Wright said. "He'd be one of the best two-way ends in the league, though. Think Cam Jordan."

I disagree with the Cam Jordan comparison, different players. I do agree with CBS Sports Rob Rang's opinion:

"I believe that Buckner could play this role but that he projects best as a traditional 3-4 defensive end. With today's hybrid fronts, though, teams are increasingly just looking for good football players and building around them rather than forcing players to fit schemes".

Bottom line, I just don't see Buckner as top ten talent, he just isn't athletic enough and plays with a high pad level too much of the time causing inconsistent play. He will be a solid player as he is a great run stopper, but great run defenders don't deserve to be in the top ten. I think Jason Licht will agree with this assessment, so don't worry Bucs fans, Buckner wont be coming here.