DeForest Buckner, a guy we all know as a dominant force in the trenches, just missed out on ESPN’s top 10 defensive tackles list after being ranked eighth just last year. This is a tough pill to swallow for anyone who’s watched him absolutely terrorize offensive lines, especially when you consider his career has been nothing short of legendary with 652 tackles, 71.5 sacks, and 28 pass deflections over ten seasons. While other former Oregon stars like Justin Herbert (ranked #7 QB), Penei Sewell (#1 OT), and Christian Gonzalez (#3 CB) are still crushing it on their respective lists, Buckner took a significant slide.
The Brutal Truth: It Comes Down To The Sidelines
Look, nobody’s saying Buckner isn’t still a monster, because the facts say otherwise. The dude is 6-foot-7, 295 pounds and still a dominant force for the Indianapolis Colts, where he’s been since 2020 after starting his career with the 49ers. But league personnel, including executives, scouts, and coaches, are pointing to two simple, undeniable factors for why he’s off the top 10: his health and his age. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Buckner “has struggled to stay on the field, playing only 22 games over the past two seasons.” That’s a huge drop-off in availability, and it’s something general managers just can’t ignore when stacking up the best of the best.
An Elite Talent Hobbled By Time
The real kicker here is a quote from an NFL defensive line coach: “No real drop-off in his play. He’s still elite, just older and injured.” That hits hard because it tells you exactly what we’re all seeing. Buckner was forced to miss seven games in 2025 due to a season-ending neck injury that even required surgery. Seven games! Even with that brutal injury, he still put up solid numbers, notching four sacks, seven run stuffs, and 47 tackles, which would look even better if you prorate them to a full 17-game season. But when you’re entering your age-32 season, and injuries start piling up, it’s an uphill battle to stay in that elite conversation. It’s a reminder that even the baddest dudes eventually face the clock.
So, what’s next for the two-time All-Pro? His status for training camp is definitely in question, but there’s at least some optimism floating around that he’ll be able to return to action before Week 1. We’re all pulling for him to get back out there and prove everyone wrong, because when DeForest Buckner is healthy, he is still one of the most disruptive players in the entire league.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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