“I Just Felt Like A Bully”
February 27th, 2016
Oregon DL DeForest Buckner toyed with opponents. (Joe is live at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis)
How long has it been since the Bucs had an edge rusher that toyed with offensive tackles like they were children? Well, we all know the answer, don’t we (Simeon Rice).
The Bucs need an edge rusher more than Joe needs the warm comfort of Rachel Watson on these chilly Indianapolis nights covering the NFL Scouting Combine. So, of course, while the stream of defensive ends were escorted to the media workroom for their press conferences Friday, Joe paid rapt attention to what they said.
One quote jumped out at Joe and it came from Oregon’s beastly defensive end DeForest Buckner. He improved so much that not only was he named PAC-12 Defensive Player of the Year, but he said he manhandled offensive linemen like the football field was his schoolyard.
“This season, I just felt like a bully on the field,” Buckner said. “I was just more comfortable. I knew coming into this season, I could really have my way with some guys. And when I stepped on the field, I just tried to be a bully.”
Talk is cheap, but Joe sort of liked this mentality that a guy thought he could rag doll anyone in his path. Love that attitude.
February 27th, 2016 at 9:09 am
Have read where lots of analysts project Buckner as a 3-4 DE, but a number of others seem to think he could fit as a 4-3 DE. Not sure who’s right, but the guy’s a beast (6’7″ and 290 lbs) and had an excellent college career against some very good teams. Doubt that he’ll be available when the Bucs pick, but I have a hunch that Mike Smith would find a way to use him productively.
February 27th, 2016 at 9:36 am
I felt like a bully on the Poker table last night.
February 27th, 2016 at 9:56 am
I think he could play in a 3-4 or a 4-3, while I’m intrigued with his athletic ability and potential I’m a bit weary of Oregon players because of the garbage teams they play. The last DE that was drafted in the first Rd outta Oregon was a bust. (Deion Jordan, miami). I think he will be a productive player but not the pure pass rusher were looking for.
February 27th, 2016 at 10:12 am
Did he help anyone off the ground?
February 27th, 2016 at 11:13 am
It’s simple just draft this guy with the 9th pick.
February 27th, 2016 at 11:39 am
Probably not on the board at 9.
February 27th, 2016 at 2:26 pm
His name has been in the conversation for “best player in the draft.” He has been projected as a 3-4 DE but is scheme versatile. Jay Hayes would probably move him all around gf defensive line. There is no way if OT Jason Spriggs Indiana (6′ 6″ 310) is there in the second round we pass on him. ASpriggs showed off his size, athleticism and strength as he ran the best 40-yard dash time among offensive linemen at 4.94 while also topping the group in the broad jump and ranking fourth with 31 bench-press reps.
February 27th, 2016 at 5:34 pm
godzilla13 Says
“His name has been in the conversation for “best player in the draft.”
Some people said that about Bowers too…had his knees been healthier.
I think that either him or Spence will fall to us.
February 28th, 2016 at 6:17 am
He probably wont be there at #9 and I wouldnt move up for him. Bosa is the only DE I’d move up for.
February 28th, 2016 at 9:23 am
Don’t be shocked if Bosa fell to us at 9. It seems unlikely but that’s the thing about drafts, u never know what the other teams are thinking. Either way we are sitting in a nice spot at 9. We have our shot at a very special player that will fit our needs. (DE N.Spence or CB VH3) and like I said there’s always that player that falls in the draft so who knows. Can’t wait to see who will be holding up that Bucs jersey on draft day.