Deforest Buckner Ranks 8th Among Defensive Interior Players for Indianapolis Colts

In the NFL, defensive interior players—often the unsung heroes of a defense—are tasked with clogging run lanes, pressuring quarterbacks from the middle, and disrupting opposing offensive game plans. For the Indianapolis Colts, DeForest Buckner has emerged as a standout in this role, and his 2024 season performance earned him a No. 8 ranking among all NFL defensive interior players in Pro Football Focus (PFF)’s annual positional rankings. This recognition places Buckner among the league’s elite at his position, a testament to his consistency, versatility, and impact on every snap. Deforest Buckner Ranks 8th Among Defensive Interior Players for Indianapolis Colts isn’t just a numerical achievement; it’s a validation of the Colts’ 2020 trade to acquire Buckner, who has since become the anchor of their defensive line. By examining the skills and moments that fueled this ranking, we can understand why Buckner is not just a top player for the Colts, but one of the best defensive linemen in the entire league.

Deforest Buckner Ranks 8th Among Defensive Interior Players for Indianapolis Colts first and foremost due to his exceptional pass-rushing production from the interior, a skill that sets him apart from many of his peers. In 2024, Buckner recorded 9.5 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and 32 pressures—numbers that ranked in the top 10 among all defensive interior players. What makes his pass-rushing even more impressive is his ability to generate pressure consistently: he posted a 9.1% pressure rate (the percentage of snaps where he disrupts the quarterback), well above the league average of 6.8% for defensive tackles. Buckner’s success stems from his rare combination of size (6’7”, 300 pounds) and quickness—he can bull-rush offensive guards with his brute strength, then use a quick spin move to slip past them and reach the quarterback. A prime example came in Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where Buckner recorded 2 sacks, 3 quarterback hits, and a forced fumble, single-handedly disrupting the Jaguars’ passing game and helping the Colts secure a 24-17 win. For PFF, which weights pass-rushing efficiency heavily in its rankings, Buckner’s ability to impact the quarterback from the interior was a key factor in his top-10 placement.

Beyond pass rushing, Deforest Buckner Ranks 8th Among Defensive Interior Players for Indianapolis Colts because of his dominance in stopping the run—a critical skill for a defensive interior player. Buckner finished the 2024 season with 68 total tackles (42 solo), 11 tackles for loss, and a run-stop rate of 8.3% (the percentage of run snaps where he prevents a gain of more than 3 yards). This run-stop rate ranked 7th among defensive interior players, a testament to his ability to read run plays quickly and plug gaps before opposing running backs can find space. Buckner’s strength and technique make him a nightmare for offensive linemen in the run game: he often sheds blocks with a powerful arm-over move, then uses his long frame to wrap up ball carriers and bring them down immediately. In a Week 12 win over the Tennessee Titans, Buckner was instrumental in limiting Titans running back Derrick Henry to just 62 rushing yards (well below his season average of 91 yards per game), recording 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a key stop on fourth-and-1 that ended a Titans scoring threat. For the Colts, who struggled with run defense in other areas of the line, Buckner’s ability to anchor the middle was invaluable.

Deforest Buckner Ranks 8th Among Defensive Interior Players for Indianapolis Colts also highlights his role as a leader and mentor for the Indianapolis Colts’ younger defensive linemen, a contribution that extends beyond stats. Since joining the Colts in 2020, Buckner has taken rookies and second-year players under his wing, sharing insights on film study, technique, and how to prepare for NFL opponents. In 2024, he worked closely with rookie defensive tackle J.T. Tuimoloau, helping the first-round pick refine his pass-rushing moves and adjust to the speed of the NFL. Tuimoloau, who finished his rookie season with 4 sacks, credited Buckner with much of his growth: “Deforest doesn’t just play at a high level—he teaches everyone around him to do the same. He’ll stay late after practice to work on moves with me, or break down film to show me how to read an offensive lineman’s stance. Without him, I wouldn’t have had half the success I did this season.” For the Indianapolis Colts, this leadership is just as important as Buckner’s on-field production, as it ensures the defensive line remains competitive even as the team rebuilds and adds young talent.

Deforest Buckner Ranks 8th Among Defensive Interior Players for Indianapolis Colts further underscores his durability and consistency—traits that are essential for maintaining a top ranking in a physically demanding position. Buckner has played in all 17 games in three of his five seasons with the Colts, and he missed just two games in 2024 due to a minor knee injury. Even when he’s not at 100%, Buckner finds ways to contribute: in the two games he returned from injury, he recorded 1 sack, 4 tackles, and 6 pressures, showing no signs of rust. His consistency is also evident in his weekly performance: he posted a PFF grade above 70 in 14 of 17 games, a level of reliability that few defensive interior players can match. For the Indianapolis Colts, this durability is a lifeline—with a linebacker corps that struggled in 2024, the defense relied heavily on Buckner to stay consistent and disrupt opposing offenses every week. His ability to show up and perform at a high level, week in and week out, is a big reason the Colts’ defense ranked 18th in points allowed despite other unit weaknesses.

The final takeaway from Deforest Buckner Ranks 8th Among Defensive Interior Players for Indianapolis Colts is that this ranking is not a peak, but a foundation for even greater success. At 30 years old, Buckner is still in his prime, and his 2024 season showed no signs of decline—if anything, he improved in key areas like run-stop efficiency and pressure rate. For the Indianapolis Colts, retaining Buckner should be a top offseason priority, as he’s the rare player who can anchor a defensive line for years to come. Looking ahead to 2025, Buckner will likely team up with a more experienced Tuimoloau and potential new additions to the defensive line, creating a unit that could push the Colts’ defense into the league’s top 10. PFF’s ranking also serves as a reminder of Buckner’s value to the Colts: while other players may get more media attention, his consistent, high-level play is the backbone of their defense. As the Colts look to compete for an AFC South title in 2025, Deforest Buckner Ranks 8th Among Defensive Interior Players for Indianapolis Colts will stand as a reminder of the elite talent they have in the middle of their defensive line—and a sign of what’s possible when that talent is paired with the right supporting cast.