Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was one of 34 players to fall out of ESPN’s positional rankings.
Jeremy Fowler has released his top 10 lists from each respective position group. Buckner was ranked in the top 10 last year at this time, but this year, he was among those in the honorable mention category.
What makes these rankings unique is that a total of 70 NFL execs, coaches, and scouts are the voters. Other elements, such as research, interviews, and film analysis by Matt Bowen, factor in as well.
With all of that taken into account, Fowler then puts these rankings together.
Why did DeForest Buckner fall out of the top 10?
As one coach told Fowler, Buckner’s drop in these rankings isn’t about his play — he’s still very good. But age and health were factors.
“No real drop-off in his play. He’s still elite — just older and injured,” the defensive line coach told Fowler.
A neck injury limited Buckner to only 10 games last season. He then underwent surgery and is currently rehabbing.
However, when on the field, he continued to play at a high level, ranking 24th among defensive tackles in pass rush win rate and 14th in PFF’s run stop rate metric.
Buckner’s versatility also allows Anarumo to move him around and throw different looks at opposing offenses, while the attention he draws helps create opportunities for his teammates.
For this Colts’ defensive line and the defense as a whole to be at its best this season, Buckner being on the field is vital.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts DeForest Buckner one of 34 players to fall out of ESPN’s rankings
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
