The Indianapolis Colts defense has several intriguing pieces, but it all funnels through one player.
The unquestioned leader in the defensive line room is veteran DeForest Buckner. One of the most consistent players in the entire league at his position, Buckner is a model of consistency.
Buckner has been everything the Colts could have asked for when they traded the No. 13 pick for him in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Other NFL executives, coaches and scouts agree. They ranked him at No. 8 among NFL defensive tackles for ESPN.
"He's the guy that's probably never in the top three but will always be in the top 10," an NFL scouting director told ESPN. "Consistent. Really productive. Plays with the best motor of any of the D-linemen."
Buckner's leadership and consistency as a pass rusher makes him the engine of the entire defense. The Colts rewarded his strong play with a two-year contract extension this offseason.
According to ESPN, his 15.6% pass-rush win rate was third-best among interior defensive linemen in 2023, and he's recorded at least 7.0 sacks since 2018.
Buckner will continue to be the engine of the Colts defense from the three-technique as they lean heavily on the strength of the defensive line.