DeForest Buckner Falls From NFL's Top 10 Defensive Tackles

Why Buckner Was Omitted From This Year's List

The ESPN positional survey, which asks league executives, scouts and coaches to name the top performers at each spot, once again featured three Oregon Ducks: quarterback Justin Herbert (No. 7), offensive tackle Penei Sewell (No. 1) and cornerback Christian Gonzalez (No. 3). Last season those three plus defensive tackle DeForest Buckner were on the elite list, but the Colts’ stalwart is not this time. Two simple factors—limited snap volume and a season‑ending neck injury—are cited as the reasons for his drop.

Buckner appeared in only 22 games over the past two campaigns, and a 2025 neck surgery forced him to miss seven contests. An NFL defensive line coach offered a candid assessment: “No real drop‑off in his play. He’s still elite — just older and injured.” Even with the reduced workload he still posted 4 sacks, 7 run stuffs and 47 tackles, numbers that look solid when prorated to a full season.

Over ten years Buckner has amassed 652 tackles, 71.5 sacks and 28 pass deflections for Indianapolis. The 6‑foot‑7, 295‑pound mauling force has been a fixture in Indy since 2020, arriving after a stint with the San Francisco 49ers. At age 32, falling out of the top‑10 is not unprecedented, but his future with the Colts remains pivotal.

Key Stats and Career Highlights

Buckner’s career résumé underscores why he is still regarded as a premier interior defender. His 71.5 sacks rank among the league’s best for a player of his size, while his 652 tackles demonstrate consistent presence against the run. The Colts have built their defensive identity around his ability to occupy multiple gaps and generate pressure.

The injury‑affected 2025 season still produced tangible results. Four quarterback pressures and seven run‑stuffing tackles show he remains effective when on the field. Even with a shortened slate, his per‑game averages compare favorably to many other elite defensive tackles.

Because of his durability concerns, Buckner’s contract status will be a topic of internal discussion. The team will weigh whether to keep him as a rotational piece or look for fresh legs at the position as he approaches his early thirties.

How Oregon's Pipeline Shapes the Rankings

The Ducks continue to dominate the scouting radar, with three players already entrenched in the NFL’s elite tiers. Their success highlights the program’s ability to develop athletes who excel at both size and technique. When a defensive tackle like Buckner slips from the top‑10, it signals not only his personal challenges but also the competitive depth at the position.

Their performance also influences how teams evaluate younger prospects. Scouts now see the high floor that Oregon players provide, which can affect draft strategy and contract negotiations for future Ducks prospects.

In short, DeForest Buckner’s absence from this year’s top‑10 list is a product of injury and age rather than a decline in ability. Indianapolis fans should expect the former Oregon Duck to remain a cornerstone of the defense once healthy, even as the league’s elite ranks continue to evolve.