Buckner Soon To Be A Bucs’ DE?

February 5th, 2016
Could Oregon DL DeForest Bucker be the No. 1 pick of the Bucs in April?

Could Oregon DL DeForest Bucker be the No. 1 pick of the Bucs?

Hey, it is Friday afternoon, so how about some draft chatter, huh?

Nothing like hoping for a young player to get the football juices flowing.

Even a guy walking about with a white cane can see the Bucs need an edge rusher. Jiminy Christmas, how many years have Tampa Bay fans pined for one? Joe has all but given up hope of ever seeing a Bucs defensive end register 10 or more sacks in a season. It’s that bad around these parts.

So Todd McShay of BSPN put out a mock draft with the Bucs taking Oregon defensive lineman DeForest Buckner with the ninth overall pick.

DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon Ducks

At 6-foot-7, 285 pounds, Buckner isn’t a traditional edge rusher — and some teams may view him as a 5-technique — but playing in a four-man front, he could be a stout run defender at left defensive end and move inside to rush the QB on obvious passing downs. Buckner, who posted 12.0 tackles for loss in conference play this season, would give the Bucs a much-needed playmaker at DE.

Now in a Buckner video the PAC-12 Network issued on its defensive player of the year, the word most often used to describe Buckner is “disruptive.” Uh, oh. That description is what gets Gerald McCoy in hot water with angry Bucs fans.

This is hardly the first time Buckner has been projected to the Bucs. Last year, good guy and uber NFL insider Peter Schrager of FOX Sports also tabbed Buckner for Tampa Bay.

Stay tuned.

65 Responses to “Buckner Soon To Be A Bucs’ DE?”

  1. TheBucsAnthem Says:

    Sorry. ….but I grade him out as a second rounder

    Bucs need DBs……not DL man

  2. CAN'T FIX IT Says:

    Not so fast here, If the Buc’s get a D/E than that will help the d/bs, and also Lovie Smith isn’t Coachin’ them any more !!!

  3. NJBucsFan Says:

    “TheBucsAnthem” = you are incorrect, the Bucs desperately need DL. A stud DL makes a mediocre DB backfield look great!

  4. dreambig Says:

    There is a YouTube video out there where Oregon played Michigan State. The Michigan State O-lineman #75 (Conklin) dominated Buckner for the whole highlight reel. Buckner couldn’t move, was getting man handled, pushed to the ground. That’s really depressing sence many project him to be a Buccaneer. Look it up and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

  5. MadMax Says:

    Thats if he’s still available. Id rather it be him than Ogbah though. But if Buckner is gone, and Im sure Ramsey will be gone, then go ahead and grab one of the best “Disrupters” in this draft…Andrew Billings! Every video I watch of him he’s either pushing the O line back or breaking through. He could be our Sapp except bigger. Sign Mario and maybe another star DE, use the 2nd on a DE, and we could be rotating Spence and Billings. We could go after Nassib too,maybe a late 2nd or high 3rd.

    I like Victor Ochi too, maybe a 5th could be used on him. He needs some more size but man that kid can move fast. Reminds me a little bit of Von Miller.

  6. dreambig Says:

    Same game, also dominated by #65 B.Allen. This guy does not look like he will transition well to the NFL where all the offensive lineman are good.

  7. HIRE JIMBO Says:

    Noah Spence or bust

  8. godzilla13 Says:

    Deforest Buckner will not drop to the second round. Matter of fact NFL.com has Buckner rated as the number one DE over Joey Bosa. He is just as good of a pass rusher as a run defender. He is projected by most scouts as a base 3-4 DE although regardless of scheme, Buckner is capable of rushing on the outside against offensive tackles, using his length to lean on the pocket, comparing him to an oversized Chandler Jones. Buckner had 10.5 sacks last year and has made an astounding 163 tackles over last two seasons. He has shown improvement in each of his years at Oregon and the Bucs will be lucky if he falls to them at nine. I too love Andrew Billings, who could take away the double teams on Gerold McCoy and think he would be a great addition to our DL. If we do not take Billings I like DT Chris Jones 6-6 308 Mississippi St. in the second round. He is so powerful its unreal. On the first pick at nine Jason Licht has come out and said he will not “reach” for a pick and draft BPA. Most people agree the best pure pass rusher in the draft is DE Noah Spence. Spence would be my choice at nine unless Jalen Ramsey, Vernon Hargreaves or Mackensie Alexander falls to us.

  9. DB55 Says:

    I like these two guys at DE bc of they’re huge, fast and projected outside of the first rnd. Leaving us the option of drafting Ramsey or Treadwell in the first. These two dudes below look like freaks of nature.

    Shawn Oakman – highlights
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=73Ry-ZsWcSU

    Bronson Kaufusi – highlights
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Iqz2XGKq9Lo

  10. Dewey Selmon Says:

    I don’t think anyone can make a correct prediction until after free agency.

  11. Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun. Says:

    Folks continue to mention taking a corner at 1 which puzzles me considering the new DB coach once made jenkins garbage arse a pro-bowler. Imagine that. Look man place a stud next to GMC and we’ll stop complaining about his play late in games. One more thing give me Wilkerson over Williams any day.

  12. biff barker Says:

    McCoy’s only vindication will be to hoist some metal over his head. Much maligned IMO, but he’s always been on a losing team, playing next to losers.

  13. Tbbucs3 Says:

    Bucker is good with his hands but plays softer than others DEs, he’s 6’7 same height as Michael Johnson so there’s a risk involved. Taller DEs have a tougher time if your not dominant it’s easier for Oline to get leverage on you. Noah Spene is better than Buckner on film as a pass rusher, more explosive and could get consistent pressure.

  14. tmaxcon Says:

    Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun

    It think it was verner he coached to the probowl.

  15. tmaxcon Says:

    I am not sold on buckner. I like Noah Spence too.

    Bucs have failed miserably reaching for DE’s in the draft. Projects, injury histories and HOPE they translate to NFL types have not worked out. I know no pick is a sure thing but I’d like the bucs to get a true pass rushing de not a hybrid or a player that will be moved around and learning multiple positions on the line. Get a pass rushing de and let him focus solely on putting QB’s in the dirt

  16. MadMax Says:

    Spence will drop due to his drug issues with ecstasy….Id think about it with a 4th maybe.

  17. Mike Johnson Says:

    If Noah Spence is gone? I say trade down if possible and get 2 for 1. Spence could be a beast in the NFL.

  18. Buc1987 Says:

    I don’t get ANY Bucs fan saying the Bucs don’t need DL help. I mean do you fans even see how much time opposing QB’s have to throw? By this I mean any opposing QB’s.

    Secondary sure I can see that too, but I haven’t given up on Banks and Verner. Safety sure, but is there one that’s rated high enough to be taken in the top 10 or even the first round for that matter?

  19. John McKillop Says:

    you would take him with maybe a 4th due to his ecstasy addiction. That’s so funny, he is a sure fire first rounder, I can’t stop laughing. He handled his problem and had a productive season, he will never last to the 4th round. He may drop some but will never get out of the 1st round.

  20. Supersam Says:

    Pass. Not thrilled with any of the D ends this year outside of Maybe Joey Bosa. I have a strange feeling we’re looking at recivers and tackles, I’m pretty sure one of them will fall in our lap.

  21. Howard Cosell Says:

    Draft Manziel!

    (I kid, Joe, I kid)

  22. John McKillop Says:

    @Buc1987, I agree with everything you have said about the dline. get some free agents and draft a couple, we need safeties as well. You can never have enough depth on the lines on both sides of the ball.

  23. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    I want us to draft the BPA at 9…..except QB/RB……

    I doubt Buckner will be the BPA…..

  24. tmaxcon Says:

    One thing for sure is we will know an hour or so into day 2 of the draft what The good mr. smith feels about the CB’s currently on the roster. I say scheme and philosophy were the main issue with secondary last year. Too many good players failed and or were run out of town the last two years for me to believe it was the CB’s and Safety’s fault solely. Verner, Goldson, Banks etc… did not automatically get horrible. If it was one player I’d agree secondary was main issue but too many previously good players failed under the previous regime.

  25. DB55 Says:

    You guys should check the highlights of Shawn Oakman and Bronson Kaufusi. I tried to post the links but can’t. These guys are freaks and are projected in later rounds.

  26. martinii Says:

    I think Buckner would be a great addition to the Bucs DL, as would Spence, Lawson and Oakman. There is an outside chance a Free Agent (Mario) may come in and have an immediate impact also. What I am most concerned about is who we have on the team now. I’ve read so much about how Lovie so coveted his scheme that he did not get the most out of his available talent. I believe Mike Smith will let his DL players like McCoy, J Smith, Mc Donald, Gholston, Melton et.al. play to their strengths, we may have some real gems that Lovie underutilized.

  27. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    Noah Spense is a great option at DE.

  28. Lord Says:

    I’m liking Noah Spence right now or that really disruptive DT can’t remember his name

  29. DB55 Says:

    February 5th, 2016 at 1:56 pm
    I want us to draft the BPA at 9…..except QB/RB……

    I doubt Buckner will be the BPA…..

    —————–
    Agreed 1000%

  30. tmaxcon Says:

    DB55

    I was able to see Oakman up close twice this year my girlfriend’s cousin is a ball boy for baylor. He would be an interesting choice. my only concern with him would be his twigs for legs… dude is strong but his legs looked a tad bit disproportionate in person. I kind of feel he’d be better suited for 3-4 but he would not be a bad option.

  31. Pawel Says:

    From my sources; Bucs will move back to add picks.

  32. Buc since '74 Says:

    the game is won in the trenches. Outside of a franchise QB, having studs on both lines will win you many games. Look around the league at any time. Stud O and D lines, those are the teams to beat, period.

  33. Rrsrq Says:

    William Golston 2.0. If Noah Spence is there, you gotta take him, if he is not there, them Bosa will be there

  34. DB55 Says:

    Tmax

    Never skip leg day, lol. What do you think about the other kid Bronson K? He’s a giant 6’8″ athletic strong fast disruptive.

    Rsrsq
    For Gholston 2.0 check out Shilique Calhoun from Michigan St. Very much a Gholston 2.0 which may or may not be a good thing. Idk

  35. BuccaneEric75 Says:

    DE please. The corners will look better with a decent pass rush. I’ve seen Buckner mocked before the Buccaneers pick. Spence should be there at 9.

  36. Brandon Says:

    TheBucsAnthem Says:
    February 5th, 2016 at 12:02 pm
    Sorry. ….but I grade him out as a second rounder

    Bucs need DBs……not DL man

    ——

    15 words, two incorrect statements… it’s almost like a football haiku about being wrong.

    Not only will Buckner NOT be a 2nd rounder, he also likely NOT to be around when the Bucs pick at #9. And as far as DBs vs DL…ANY AND ALL people that know ANYTHING about football knows that you build defenses from the DL back.

  37. Born Again Bucs fan Says:

    Wouldn’t be surprised at all if we don’t select anyone at #9. I see Licht trading down to get more picks..

  38. Fsuking Says:

    He’s a project player. He DOES NOT have what it takes to succeed in his first year. This should be a strong pass. He will not get sacks and we have run stopping DE’s. Licht knows better

  39. tmaxcon Says:

    DB55

    Honestly I did not know much about Bronson Kaufusi until you suggested him. Looks interesting. I bookmarked a couple videos to check out later. I am totally on the Best Player Available bandwagon with this draft. I think there are enough holes that even if it is not the glaring need like DE. If you can fill a hole with the BPA at that position do it. I am totally on the fence with bucs drafting a de even though it might be the biggest hole. We have had such bad luck with drafted DE that any pick makes me nervous. I do trust licht more than any other personnel guy that bucs have had recent memory.

  40. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    I don’t think anyone can make a correct prediction until after free agency.

    Excellent point Dewey!

    I’m like TBBF…BPA in the draft…we have a need on the DL as well as the defensive backfield. And impact player at either spot would suit me just fine.

    I’d love to have Jalen Ramsey…he is an impact player who is used to winning…I know he’ll be long gone before #9 but this is one place I would trade MG8

    It’s not unreasonable for either the Browns or the Cowboys to swap first round picks for MG8…letting us move from 9th to 2nd or 4th high enough to get Ramsey.

    I’m neither an FSU lover nor hater…I certainly respect what Jimbo has done. It seemed everytime I watched an FSU game Ramsey showed up bigtime.

    I like that he can play CB or Safety and could bring a little swagger to the back end of our defense.

    BTW Walter Football has Ramsey going 6th with Buckner going just ahead of him at 5th. I’d rather have Ramsey than Buckner.

  41. Fsuking Says:

    I want Robert Nkemdiche! He’s a beast

  42. DB55 Says:

    Tmax

    With you 100% on BPA! I think it’s the best way to build a team, get the best athletes you can.

    Looks like Joe let the links go thru check them out above.

  43. Fsuking Says:

    As an FSU fan, I will be disappointed if we draft Jalen Ramsey to be our #1 corner and beyond happy if we bring him in to be a “Honey Badger” type safety. I’ve seen every snap of his college career, he gets beat a lot , takes plays off and can be way too aggressive at times. That combination makes a great safety and a developmental corner. I like Vernon Hargreaves if he is still on the board. Best DB in the draft and I’ve seen him play since high school. He picked off my brother who is a good QB back in the day and had like 200 yards receiving in that game

  44. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    Fsuking

    Thanks for that synopsis of Ramsey. You’ve obviously seen a lot more of him than me.

    Most of the stuff I’ve read says Hargreaves is the best pure cover corner in the draft but that Ramsey is the most athletic DB and has more versatility.

    I’m really jacked about this draft because of Licht…if he traded down or went for multiple picks I’d trust him…if he used MG8 or some other bait to move up to get a player I would trust that they REALLY wanted that player.

  45. Fsuking Says:

    I love how Licht will trade up for guys without hesitation. He is a genius. If we could somehow pull Hargraeves and Jonathan Allen I will be extremely happy with our first few picks

  46. Lord Says:

    In the end I’m not sure any of us really know what we’re taking about but it’s fun to guess at players. Projecting college DBs and DEs to the NFL is tough.

    In general I like the idea of trading back because I haven’t heard of any significant drop off between the top 5-10 (or even top 10) compared to 11-20 in terms of talent. Hell I keep seeing guys that were once 2nd or worse jumping to top projected top 15 picks and vice versa

  47. Fsuking Says:

    Neither he, nor any of the Patriots staff have ever been keen on trading down. I highly doubt we will pass up great talent for less than great talent

  48. MadMax Says:

    @John MC, he’s probably off of many teams boards at every round. Ok, so Id risk maybe a 3rd on him. Kids like this get their hands on money and fade away. Wont do any good when he’s not playing….but go ahead and laugh. For his sake, I hope he has turned his life around…..and it wouldnt bother me as much if it was just weed.

  49. unbelievable Says:

    See what happens on free agency, then draft BPA. You don’t ever want to reach more than 2-3 spots in the early rounds just to draft based on need.

  50. MadMax Says:

    Btw, Jonathan Allen is returning for his senior year at Bama.

  51. tmaxcon Says:

    DB55

    Thanks for the Video link Bronson Kaufusi looks like a sick athlete… Nice front court of Kaufusi, ASJ and Evans with VJAX at the 2guard just need a point guard…. We’d be balling… I like Kaufusi motor and seems to play with passion. Given the current makeup of the defense Kwon could use some help pumping up the rest of the defense.

  52. GO BUCS Says:

    Dion Jordan 2.0!!!!!

  53. Kalind Says:

    God mcshay is a moron. Why would we draft a Gholston clone? That’s stupid. Not to mention, Kalind’s first rule of drafting. Never take an end in the first round!!!!!

  54. Max Says:

    No more weak and lanky defensive ends! We’re gonna beef up with Mike Smith here now.

  55. DB55 Says:

    Mike Smith signed a tweener yesterday. Rasco, he used to play DE with Kwon at LSU then he went undrafted to the Packers then he went on the IR week 1 of the preseason. So looks like Mike Smith already getting some tweeners, I hear he likes tweeners.

  56. DB55 Says:

    Tmax

    Jaquizz Rodgers (rb) is a FA and would make a perfect point guard. I think he runs a 2.5 in the 40. You probably remember him he played for the Falcons and made us completely stupid on that Thursday night game. He’s not a starter but could play spec teams and he’s lightning fast.

  57. gotbbucs Says:

    We need physically gifted, long, fast athletes. No more “Adrian Clayborne” types in the top rounds. Buckner is not what we need and if Sun Tan Man McShay says we should take him then we pass.
    Jalen Ramsey, Myles Jack, Ogbah, Jayron Kearse, Dieondre Hall. Long, fast, and ball skills/instincts are things you can’t coach up in guys. Playmakers.

    I want nothing to do with Shawn Oakman, the ultimate “looks like Tarzan plays like Jane” player, and he’s a piece of sh!t to boot.

  58. DB55 Says:

    I want nothing to do with Shawn Oakman, the ultimate “looks like Tarzan plays like Jane” player, and he’s a piece of sh!t to boot
    ———————–
    I’d heard he had some off field issues. Didn’t know he plays like Jane, that sux. Kid looks like he fits the part, maybe he needs the right motivation.

  59. DB55 Says:

    Oakman looks like Clubber Lang had a baby with Ivan Drago.

  60. FuNkYxMuNkEy Says:

    I would rather have Emmanuel Ogbang. He had more sacks and TFL than Buckner. Ogbang in 2015: 13 sacks, 17.5 TFL, 3 forced fumbles. In 2014 he had 11 sacks, 17 TFL, 1 forced fumble, and 5 passes batted.

    Buckner had 9.5 sacks, 16 TFL, 5 passes batted in 2015. in 2014 he had 4 sacks and 13 TFL.

    They will both be good pros. But I think Ogbang has the chance to be special with his size speed and strength. After the combine and workouts Ogbang could be gone before we draft at #9.I hope not cause he would be a great LE for many years to come in Tampa!

  61. Jeagan1999 Says:

    Go up and get Bosa! He’s the real deal.

  62. 98bucsfan Says:

    The only reason our DBs were so bad is because lovie benched our best guy and put in toast Jenkins. I say we are good with banks, moore, verner, and hopefully we can draft Apple or someone in the second round of good value. We are honestly more desperate for an edge rusher than a DB. I might sound crazy but it’s the truth. Lack of pressure is always a good reason for bad defensive play.

  63. FuNkYxMuNkEy Says:

    @98bucs

    I agree DE is a more pressing need with our first round pick. That said, if Hargreaves were to fall to #9 it would be hard to pass on him.

    As far as Buckner goes. He is too tall IMO to play DE in a 4-3. He will get stood up too much by guards and tackles. Ogbang is the beast we need on the outside.

  64. godzilla13 Says:

    Joey Bosa, Jalen Ramsey, Laremy Tunsil, Ronnie Stanley, Myles Jack, Jared Goff and DeForest Buckner should all be off the board at nine. Below are my potential first round picks, in order.

    The player who is moving up the draft board and impressed at the Senior Bowl is DT Vernon Butler Louisiana Tech (6’3″ 325) in the second round. Can you imagine Butler paired with McCoy and Spence? He is a mammoth beast who has athleticism, with a combination of power and quickness who excels as a pass rusher from inside and plays like a lead dog looking to eat. I have two words. Draft him.

    R1) CB Vernon Hargreaves III Florida (5′ 11″ 190), DE Noah Spence Eastern Kentucky (6′ 3″ 255), WR Laquon Treadwell Mississippi (6′ 2″ 225), CB Mackensie Alexander Clemson (5′ 11″ 195)

  65. Tattoodonny Says:

    I agree with drafting a DE (depending on what we do with FAs) but my choice is Noah Spence. This guy reminded me of Aaron Donald at the senior bowl, unstoppable. He started at Ohio state so he’s a big time recruit out of HS. He looks like Freeney and/or Mathis from the colts, not overly large but great balance and speed to get under OTs and take down QBs. This guy might not even be there at #9 with people comparing him to K. Mack of the Raiders. Take him 1st and depending on who’s there at second round maybe a DB or OT/OG. We still need to protect Americas QB at all cost. Go Bucs!!!