Drew Boylhart (The Huddle Report) PARAPHRASED
DeForest Buckner DE Oregon
STRENGTHS
DeForest plays mostly in a 2-gap system. He has the size to impact in any style of defensive front, which is a good thing. He reminds me a lot of former Kansas City Chiefs DL Tyson Jackson who was the 3rd overall selection in the 2009 draft. Deforest has a lot of potential. He has the long arms and legs you look for in a pass rusher, and the size to play more than one position on the defensive line. Deforest plays hard on every snap and looks like he has a very good work ethic. When allowed to shoot the gap, he can be disruptive. Deforest should be a solid defensive lineman for the next level and given the time with better coaching he could turn himself into a more productive defensive lineman also.
CONCERNS
Deforest has very immature defensive lineman skills right now. He struggles to consistently get off blocks. And, he's easily pushed off balance when shooting the gap, because his footwork is so poor. He must improve his leg strength to increase his balance, and he must improve his hand strength to shed blockers. His football IQ is lacking in identifying screens to his side, and understanding down and distance tendencies of his opponents.When Deforest is used on stunts, he's uncoordinated. His arms move faster than his feet, which will cause him problems with quick NFL OLmen. Deforest is not double teamed very much. But, when it happens, he's sometimes blown 5yds off the LOS. He has talent and size, but he has a long way to go.
TALENT BOARD ROUND: 2
I like Deforest’s potential to improve, but in the first round I’m expecting a more complete player. Some team may choose to draft him earlier than I suggest,but selecting him later in the draft would be very smart. Remember Michael Strahan didn’t get selected until the 2nd round. But, Michael dominated double teams and dominated his position. Deforest does not dominate his position, and he doesn't require a double teams to take him out of a play.
To be fair, this is the ultimate extreme negative review that I've seen on this player
Some other rankings:
ESPN--McShay
3rd best player in the draft
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ESPN--combines staff
3rd best player overall
1 = Exceptional
2 = Above average
3 = Average
4 = Below average
5 = Marginal
Defensive End Specific Traits
Pass Rush Skills2
Adequate first step quickness and snap anticipation for his size, but he's not going to win many battles with pure speed. Has long arms (34 3/8") and massive/heavy hands (11 3/4"). Doesn't have great torso flexibility, but he shows the ability to dip his pads and work through contact at the top of his rush. He's very effective converting speed to power when coming off with proper leverage. Flashes explosive upper body power to jar blockers and push the pocket. Improved his counter punch and became more of a finisher in 2015. Average-to-slightly above average closing burst. Does a nice job of utilizing height and length to get hands up in throwing lanes.
Versus the run1
Area of strength. Very good skills at the point of attack. Thick and long frame with excellent core strength. Massive and heavy hands (11 ¾') that have some shock to them. He utilizes his length well to stack blockers, create separation and find the ball. Active hand fighter in a phone booth and does a nice job of shedding, redirecting and finishing. Will play high at times and can get into trouble with down blocks. Redirects well and shows adequate lateral agility and range.
Versatility1
Has the ability to line up in multiple positions along the defensive line. Ideal fit is as a 5-technique for a base 3-4 scheme. But he also possesses enough quickness and agility to line up as a LDE in 4-3 defense. Has experience reducing inside as a 3-technique, particularly on heavy pass rushing downs.
Instincts/Motor2Has a tone-setter mentality to his game. Displays a physical and aggressive demeanor on tape. Shows good fight at the point of attack and is willing to mix it up. Will chase in pursuit. Made a handful of second effort plays on tape. But he will tire if left on the field for a long string of consecutive plays.
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NFL Draft Scout
6th best player
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NFL--Jeremiah
5th best player
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ESPN--Kiper
4th best player
"The more you watch Buckner simply control blockers at the line of scrimmage, the less you worry about fit at the next level and realize he's going to be good anywhere he lines up."
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NFL--Mayock
Best interior lineman in draft
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Walter Football
3rd best player in the draft
The 6-foot-7, 291-pounder has a similar skill set to former teammate Arik Armstead. Both have a unique combination of size, strength, speed and agility. Buckner managed to have more pass-rushing production than Armstead while playing in a scheme that doesn't lend itself to defensive linemen putting up big stat lines. Buckner also had a solid combine showing to solidify his draft stock.
Buckner can beat tackles with speed or strength and also can move inside during passing situations. In speaking with sources, they feel that Buckner's best fit would come as a five-technique in a 3-4 defense. He could fit a 4-3, and some teams might want him to gain weight to be a Red Bryant-type end. Scouts say that Buckner has received high marks for character and they view him very favorably off the field.
etc
