Buckner has six sacks this season and has been in on 71 tackles. Only one interior defender has more tackles (Damon Harrison, NYG). Despite missing a game, he has played 943 snaps this season, which is third only to Antoine Bethea (1062) and Tramaine Brock (1048). That is an impressive number of an interior defender. In fact, no defensive lineman in the league has been in on as many plays. The next closest is Ndamukong Suh at 919.
How pleased is O'Neil with Buckner? He believes that Buckner should be considered for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
O'Neil was asked about the progression of Buckner since the offseason. "His progression has been awesome," he said. "It really has been. We've talked all year long about it. Early on, he had how to learn to get his pads down and now you see him dominating at the line of scrimmage and knocking guys back instead of stalemating or, at times, getting knocked back. You've seen the progression of him as far as a pass rusher from the start of the season until now.
►
49ers DC Lauds Rashard Robinson, DeForest Buckner
"He actually called a shot on his sack. He kind of radioed up to me, 'Coach, give me a shot at this guard.' So I gave him a four-man front rush on the next third down and he called it. He beat him and got a sack. So that was pretty cool. A rookie saying, 'I can beat this guy. On third down, give me a shot at him.' And we did and he came through on it.
"I don't know how he's not going to be considered for the Defensive Rookie of the Year. If you look at his numbers compared to every defensive tackle in this league, he leads the NFL in tackles for defensive tackles. He's at the top in sacks. He's played the most plays of any defensive tackle in the NFL.
"I think he's done and unbelievable job and for such a young guy, he's the ultimate professional. And again, another guy that just loves football. When you get around guys that love football and they want to be around it and they want to grow, they're easy to coach. And I think [defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro] Azz and [assistant defensive line coach Vince Oghobaase] Vinnie, our two d-line coaches, have done an unbelievable job with him this year developing him."
O'Neil went on to say that it is very rare for a guy that big to have such a good motor during plays.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Should the 49ers pursue 6-time Pro Bowl CB Darius Slay?
If the San Francisco 49ers are focused on getting younger this offseason, signing a 34-year-old veteran defensive back might not align with that strategy. However, with Charvarius Ward expected to leave in free agency, the team could weigh whether Philadelphia Eagles cornerback... -
PFF: 49ers could trade up to draft defensive lineman
The San Francisco 49ers currently hold the No. 11 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. While plenty of talent will be available when they're on the clock, they may have their sights set on one of the few elite prospects. That could prompt general manager John Lynch... -
Details emerge on Ben Bartch's 1-year deal with 49ers
On Monday, the San Francisco 49ers re-signed offensive lineman Ben Bartch, ensuring he wouldn't become a free agent on March 12. According to OverTheCap.com, the one-year deal includes a base salary of $1.17 million—the veteran minimum for a player with Bartch's... -
Is Ricky Pearsall poised for big year after 49ers trade Deebo Samuel?
Barring an unexpected offseason move, the San Francisco 49ers appear set to enter the 2025 season with Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall as their top wide receivers. The team traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round draft pick,...