2016 NFL Draft Scouting Notes: Deforest Buckner, DL, Oregon

2016 NFL Draft Scouting Notes: Deforest Buckner, DL, Oregon
By Lijah Spencer (@tweaked74) 
Continuing on with scouting notes we look at another defensive lineman whom considered entering the draft, but chose to return to school to try to perfect his craft. Here are my notes:

Deforest Buckner. 6’7. 290 Lbs. DL. Oregon. (Senior)

The Positives

1) Great NFL size

2) Has a good speed rush

3) Has some ability to split the double team

The Negatives

1) Needs to play with better leverage

2) Needs to improve his use of hands

3) An ok, but great tackler

Deforest Buckner returned to Oregon for his senior season hoping to have a big year and raise his draft stock. He has great size standing at 6’7 and 290 Lbs and that will attract attention from scouts and GM’s alike. Buckner has a good speed rush, and is pretty good at stopping the run. He does show some ability to split the occasional double team. He does not however use his hands particularly well, at times allowing the blocker to hold him too long, and he does need to play with better leverage to maximize his power. Last season Buckner had 4 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss. He is often compared to his former teammate Arik Armstead whom was drafted in last April’s draft. He has a similar body type, I believe Armstead has a higher ceiling, but Buckner has a higher floor. If Buckner has a successful season and can improve upon his weaknesses he could very well be a top 10 pick in next year’s NFL Draft.