2016 NFL Draft Profile: DeForest Buckner, DE Oregon

One player who has been mock drafted to the Baltimore Ravens has been DeForest Buckner. Buckner certainly looks like a Ravens kind of player; his 6’7″ 291 lbs. frame and toughness are right up the Ravens’ alley. While defensive end is not quite the Ravens strongest need, Buckner may be the best player on the board when they draft.

In 2015 Buckner had 83 total tackles, 17 of them in the backfield. Buckner had 10.5 sacks in his senior year. These numbers are very strong for a defensive end. He is big and strong enough to handle his double teams. He is quick enough to fly by offensive linemen on his way to the quarterback.

Combine Results

More from Ravens Draft

40 Yard Dash: 5.05 seconds
Vertical Jump: 32 inches
Broad Jump: 116 inches
3 Cone Drill: 7.51 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.47 seconds

Strengths:

Great lateral quickness allows him to get inside of offensive linemen
Thick and tall frame, conditioning won’t be a problem
High motor, very active player
Textbook tackles, great run defender
Keeps legs driving all the time
Good hand fighter, can shrug off blocks
Quicker than he is fast, but has short bursts of great acceleration

Concerns:

Needs to continue developing as a pass rusher
Needs to be a good system fit (projects as 3-4 DE)

Draft Value:

DeForest Buckner should be gone no later than the 15th pick of the draft. He could easily be taken in the top 10. He has the physical tool set to be an instant starter on a NFL defensive line. He has plenty of room for growth and a high ceiling.

Next: 2016 NFL Draft: Could Jalen Ramsey Fall To Ravens?

Should The Ravens Draft Him?

The Ravens need to draft for need in this draft. They need defensive backs. They need a great receiver, they need a linebacker. Defensive end is not a need. If the Ravens take Buckner, I have little doubt that he will shine in Baltimore. It’s just not what the team needs.

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