Top photos of Oregon's DeForest Buckner in action.
Week 7: DEN vs LAC - Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 - Derek Watt
Week 7: DEN vs LAC - Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 - Tyrell Williams
Week 7: DEN vs LAC - Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 - Tyrell Williams
Week 7: DEN vs LAC - Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 - Artavis Scott
Week 7: DEN vs LAC - Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 - Artavis Scott
Week 7: DEN vs LAC - Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 - James Onwualu
Week 7: DEN vs LAC - Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 - James Onwualu
Michigan State's quarterback Conner Cook, bottom, ends up at the bottom of a pile of Oregon Ducks including Arik Armstead, left, Christian French and DeForest Buckner during the 3rd quarter of their college football game in Eugene, OR. Saturday Sept. 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)
Week 7: DEN vs LAC - Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 - Andre Patton
Week 7: DEN vs LAC - Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 - Andre Patton
Oregon's defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (44) rushes TCU's quarterback Bram Kohlhausen (6) during Alamo Bowl, Saturday, January 02, 2016 in San Antonio, Tex. TCU won 47-41 in third overtime. (TFV Media via AP Images)
Oregon defensive lineman Defo Buckner competes in the 40 yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Week 7: DEN vs LAC - Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 - Nick Dzubnar
Week 7: DEN vs LAC - Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 - Nick Dzubnar
Oregon defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (44) breaks through the Eastern Washington offensive line during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Ryan Kang)
*In order to familiarize fans with some of the top names in the 2016 NFL Draft, Chargers.com will be highlighting a different prospect each weekday leading up to the first day of the draft on April 28th. *
We begin the series with a scouting report of Oregon DE DeForest Buckner.
Name: DeForest Buckner
School: Oregon
Height: 6-7
Weight: 281 pounds
Position: DE
NFL Network Pro Comparison: Calais Campbell
All it takes is one look at DeForest Buckner to see why scouts and draft experts are high on his NFL future.
A chiseled 6-7, 281-pound defensive lineman, his 11¾ -inch hands tied for the biggest in the history of the NFL Combine. Combined with an incredible wingspan, Buckner uses his massive paws and long reach to push offensive linemen around with ease. A balanced prospect that is effective rushing the passer and stout against the run, he's proven to be a nightmare to block as he can beat the opposition with brute strength or rare athleticism.
Buckner was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2015, becoming only the second Duck since 1983 to take home the award. He led the conference with 10.5 sacks, and ranked second on the team with 83 tackles along with 17.5 tackles for loss. Buckner also captured the Morris Trophy as the Pac-12's top defensive lineman as voted by opposing offensive linemen. Over four seasons in Eugene, he totaled 232 tackles, 36.0 tackles for loss, 18.0 sacks, 10 passes defensed and two forced fumbles in 54 games.
Many believe Buckner is the ideal fit for a 3-4 defense with a dynamic ability to wreck games from the interior. Pundits also point out his steady improvement year over year, and expect him to continue to grow at the pro level. As a result, Buckner is regarded as a high-ceiling prospect who can anchor a defense for years to come.
Combine Metrics
40 Yard Dash: 5.05 sec
Vertical Jump: 32.0 inches
Broad Jump: 116.0 inches
3-Cone Drill: 7.51 reps
The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed above do not represent the opinions or policies of the San Diego Chargers' front office staff, coaches or executives.
