December 19, 2015 - Greg Gabriel
NFP Prospect Focus: DeForest Buckner and Henry Krieger Coble
DeForest Buckner – DE – Oregon
Buckner is a former 4-star recruit from Hawaii who was offered by mostly west coast schools. He started two games as a true freshman and had 29 total tackles and 1.0 sacks. In 2013, he played in all games with 8 starts. He finished the year with 39 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. In 2014 he started every game and finished with 81 total tackles including 13 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. This year his production increased to 76 total tackles including 16 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. He has shown improvement every year as a player.
Size –
6'6'– 302 – 4.88
Strong Points –
Has great size with very long arms. He is strong and explosive with very good athleticism, speed and body control. Stays on his feet and easily changes direction. Is a quick reactor with good instincts. Makes plays. Can control blockers at the line of scrimmage and get penetration to disrupt the run. Sheds quickly. Very good pass rusher with the ability to use counter moves. Will chase plays in pursuit. Very solid competitor, don’t see him taking plays off.
Weak Points –
Doesn’t have a twin brother
Summation –
This is a player who has shown improvement every year he has been at Oregon. Has the natural physical traits to be a dominant defensive lineman in the NFL. While he plays in a 3-4 scheme at Oregon, he can play in any scheme at the next level. Has really come on as a pass rusher this year and learned how to set up opponents and put moves together. Will no doubt be a top 10 pick and could very well be the first or second defensive linemen drafted. Should come in and start right away. As good as he is, he still has unlimited upside.
Henry Krieger Coble – TE – Iowa
Krieger Coble is a fifth-year senior and this is his first year as a full time starter. Has three starts in 2014. He is a former 3-star recruit. This is his first season where he has had top production. Going into the Iowa bowl game, he has 32 receptions for 385 yards and one touchdown.
Size –
6'4"– 250 – 4.77 (all estimates)
Strong Points –
Had a productive final year at Iowa in his first year as a starter. Had good overall athleticism. Runs well and would estimate that he will run in the high 4.7’s. Is a good route runner who can uncover versus both man and zone but is best versus zone. Has good hands and can adjust to the ball in the air. Shows toughness and courage in traffic. Adequate run after catch skills.
Weak Points –
Lacks ideal size, strength and power, just an average blocker. He is a one speed type and you don’t see a burst going after the ball. Has been a starter only one year.
Summation –
Krieger Coble is an interesting player who is on the come. Has come on strong in his first year as a starter. Is a very reliable receiver with good hands. Will work to get open. He is not a speed guy and lacks a burst but he runs good routes. Gets what is there after the catch. He is very willing as a blocker and gets some production when blocking down or on the move but he is not a good in-line blocker. He lacks top strength and power but he has the frame to get bigger and stronger. Overall, I see him as a late pick who will start out as a third tight end and may ascend to a two. If he gets bigger and stronger and can be trusted as a blocker than he may have down the road starter potential.