DeForest Buckner is still a problem in the middle of the Indianapolis Colts’ defense. He just isn’t getting the same top-10 respect from league personnel anymore.
In ESPN’s annual position rankings, built from the opinions of executives, scouts and coaches around the league, Buckner landed just outside the top 10 at defensive tackle for 2025, checking in at No. 8. That means the former Oregon Duck did not make the cut this time, even though he was on the list a year ago.
Buckner’s omission came down to two things, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler: availability and age. Fowler wrote, "The two-time All-Pro has struggled to stay on the field, playing only 22 games over the past two seasons," and added a quote from an NFL defensive line coach: "No real drop-off in his play. He's still elite -- just older and injured."
The injury piece is the bigger issue right now. Buckner missed seven games in 2025 because of a season-ending neck injury that required surgery. His status for training camp remains uncertain, although there is optimism he can get back before Week 1.
Even with the missed time, Buckner still produced four sacks, seven run stuffs and 47 tackles. On a 17-game pace, those numbers would still look strong for a player in the heart of a defense.
Buckner has been with the Colts since 2020, after starting his career with the San Francisco 49ers, and his resume is still loaded. Over 10 seasons, he has piled up 652 tackles, 71.5 sacks and 28 pass deflections.
The 6-foot-7, 295-pound veteran is entering his age-32 season, so a slide in the rankings was always possible. But even without a top-10 label, Buckner remains exactly what he has been for years: a dominant force in Indianapolis.
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