Draft Spotlight: Deone Bucannon

Measurables:

Height: 6-1
Weight: 211 lbs
Arm Length: 32  3/8"
Hand Size: 9 3/4"

Combine Results:

40 Yard Dash: 4.49 sec
225lb Bench Press: 19 reps
Vertical Jump: 36.5 inches
Broad Jump: 125.0 inches
3 Cone Drill: 6.96 sec
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.26 sec


Strengths:

Powerful build, an imposing force who can fly around and deliver a bone-jarring hit. Great length and athleticism. Proven play-maker over his college career with 15 INTs, seems to consistently be around the football. Good awareness to go for the strip when taking down the ball-carrier. Loves contact and plays a very physical brand of football, old-school player.

Weaknesses:

Raw coverage skills. While he has the natural ability to excel in coverage, he currently has stiff backpedal and struggles to flip hips in coverage fluidly. Currently not adept at covering the slot receiver one-on-one. His aggressive nature can come back to bite him on occasion, as he is susceptible to cut-backs and can lunge on the tackle attempt.

Character:

Would be a perfect fit in Philadelphia. Passionate player who shows tenacity and emotion on the field. Loves football and was a 3-time team captain at Washington State. We all know character is a vital characteristic in Chip Kelly's mind, and Bucannon passes that with flying colors.

Bottom Line:

Bucannon is my favorite safety in this class in terms of skill set and value. With former cornerback Malcolm Jenkins excelling in coverage but admittedly a weak tackler, the Eagles need a strong force in the middle of the defense. Bucannon offers speed and physicality that Philly really lacked in '13.

Bucannon would immediately be a fan favorite with his passion and effort. Plus, he saved his best games for when WSU played Oregon. And we know that means something to Chip, i.e. Zach Ertz. Bucannon might be available for the Eagles in round two, but it will likely come down to the wire.

Rumors:

The Eagles showed interest in Bucannon at the Senior Bowl. DB Coach John Lovett was videotaped putting him through positional drills at Washington State's Pro Day. Also, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com, the Eagles have a private workout scheduled with Bucannon.