2016 NFL Draft: 10 Players the San Francisco 49ers Should Target
By Peter Panacy
Defensive End DeForest Buckner, Oregon
The Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos showed what an effective defense and pass rush can do to the league’s top-ranked offense. And the 49ers can use that kind of blueprint to get back to prominence within the NFC West.
Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner is that kind of player who could reinvigorate an anemic San Francisco pass rush — a unit that ranked No. 29 in the league last year with 28 sacks.
Buckner registered 18 sacks over four collegiate seasons with the Ducks — 10.5 of them last year — and would be a tremendous force to combat opponents’ offensive lines within the trenches.
Niner Noise author Richard Madrid wrote up all you need to know about why Buckner to San Francisco would be so enticing.
STRENGTHS: Looks the part with a tall, long frame and growth potential to add bulk. Massive wingspan and uses his length to unglue himself from blocks or create spacing at the point of attack, locking out, setting the edge and preventing angle blocks.
Quickly stacks and sheds, using pop in his hands to work off contact. Fluid lower body and athletic footwork to move laterally and break down in tight spaces. Plays low for a man his size with good bend, making it tough for blockers to attack his chest.
WEAKNESSES: Leverage can be an issue at times due to his height. Struggles to recoil and reset himself after his initial move stalls. Still learning how to set up his pass rush sequence and counter moves. Only average snap anticipation.
Needs to know his limitations as a pass rusher and not sacrifice the edge. Still learning how to use his hands and consistently convert speed to power – more of a reactor as a pass rusher. Inconsistent tackler on the move, losing balance in space and not timing his hits. Want to see more of a killer instinct on each snap.
— Dane Brugler, CBS Sports (2/1/16)
Why He Fits:
Imagine a 49ers defensive line consisting of two Oregon teammates: Buckner and the 49ers’ first-round pick a year ago, Arik Armstead.
Buckner has even more potential than Armstead, who earned plenty of nods as a likely pocket-wrecking force in the latter half of 2015. And with nose tackle Ian Williams poised to hit free agency, the Niners could stand to reinforce the defensive line and add some pass-rushing prowess to the mix.
The 6’7″, 290-pound Buckner is a clear first-round target, and there wouldn’t be much of a problem at all if San Francisco elected to go with back-to-back defensive linemen in subsequent NFL drafts.
Next: ILB Jaylon Smith