Before DeForest Buckner began his first NFL training camp, the former Oregon defensive lineman was thinking big.
When asked what his goal is for 2016, he answered, “To be Rookie of the Year.”
He knew he’d have to impress 49ers coaches from the start, but planned to prove his worth from Day 1.
“I think they’ll suit up five or six guys, maybe, for the D-line (rotation),” he told reporters when he reported for camp. “Obviously it’s a small rotation, so I’m going to do everything I can do to be in that rotation, to get as much playing time as I can and show the coaches that I’m valuable for the team.”
So far, Buckner is right on schedule.
Buckner already has worked his way up from third-team to first-team defensive end in the 49ers’ 3-4 scheme, alongside nose tackle Quinton Dial and second-year defensive end Arik Armstead.
The 49ers’ top two picks, in fact – Buckner at No. 7 overall and guard Joshua Garnett, No. 28 – look like they’ll make an immediate impact on head coach Chip Kelly’s team.
Local
While Buckner is now running with the first team, Garnett has moved from the third team to the second team and could soon supplant current first-teamer Andrew Tiller at right guard, reported Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
As for Buckner, 49ers defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil told reporters that he hasn’t just been promoted because he was the team’s top pick.
“We didn’t give him anything,” O’Neil said. “He had to earn it. So, he earned our respect. He earned the players’ respect. I think all of our guys know, we don’t care where you were drafted. You’re going to have to earn it. Nothing is going to be given to you, and he’s done a nice job.”
Buckner came into camp in terrific shape after working out for several weeks in Hawaii with other pros. He said the best advice he received was to come into camp ready to make a statement.
“Training camp is supposed to be really one of the hardest parts of the year, so just coming in mentally and physically ready,” Buckner said. “That was the best advice I could get.”
