Defensive Tackle: DeForest Buckner, San Francisco 49ers
Man, the San Francisco 49ers could be big spenders in the next couple of years. San Francisco’s third player on this list (and last, thankfully), DeForest Buckner came on in 2018 as the human wrecking ball the franchise was hoping he’d be when they drafted him No. 7 overall back in 2016.
Throughout his third season in the NFL, Buckner dominated offensive linemen and made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. Finally living up to the hype as an interior pass-rushing extraordinaire, the Oregon product racked up 12 sacks and set the stage for what could be an even more dominant 2019 campaign with Dee Ford now in town.
If that ends up being the case, the 49ers will have no choice but to reset the defensive tackle market by extending the youngster. He’s already proven to be a near-elite talent, creeping into Aaron Donald territory with his ability to effect the game from the defensive tackle spot.
It’s going to be an expensive endeavor for San Francisco to keep all of this young talent. However, there’s a reason why so many have tabbed them as a potential breakout team in 2019.
Buckner’s stock is rising fast, and figures to maintain its upward momentum this upcoming season. Assuming that’s the case, he could very well be the highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL in the not-too-distant future.