According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Indianapolis Colts veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner once again cracked the NFL’s top 10 defensive tackles in an annual survey of league executives, coaches, and scouts—at the 8th overall spot:
8. DeForest Buckner, Indianapolis Colts
Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: unranked
Age: 30 | Last year’s ranking: 7
The tallest player on this list (6-foot-7) continues to play big, averaging 8.4 sacks per season since 2018.
“The most underrated defensive player in the league,” a high-ranking AFC personnel exec said.
Despite missing five games last season, Buckner continues to disrupt opposing offensive lines. His 16.4% pass rush win rate ranked second among the top 10, trailing Jones. As multiple voters pointed out, Buckner isn’t in Tier 1 but will always hang around in the top 10 because of his consistency.
“His game will age well because of his length, technique and high motor,” an NFL personnel evaluator said.
Having missed 5 games early on because of a severe ankle sprain, Buckner fell short this past season of All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors again.
That being said, the 31-year-old remains one of the best and most consistent defensive tackles in all of football, as the Colts undisputed most valuable defensive player.
During 12 games (11 starts) this past season, Buckner recorded 61 tackles (24 solo), 8 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 35 QB pressures, and a pass defensed.
His PFF grade of 81.9 overall in 2024 was coincidentally the 8th best among all interior defenders, which was highlighted by a +77.1 pass rushing grade.
Obviously, this is well earned national recognition by D-Fo, who continues to play at a very high level even in his early thirties.