NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks listed his Top 5 ‘sleeper’ candidates for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2021 season. Colts’ defensive tackle DeForest Buckner comes in at No. 1.
Brooks writes, in part, “Buckner’s ability to crush the pocket as a pass rusher/run defender sets the table for Leonard and others to feast off errant throws (leading to interceptions) and run-throughs (leading to sacks and tackles for loss) created by his penetration.”
Buckner wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks for the entire 2020 season, earning the former first-round pick his first-ever, first team All-Pro selection.