After a tremendous 2023 season, Colts DT DeForest Buckner was inexplicably snubbed from an initial Pro Bowl nod, and ESPN’s advanced statistics prove it.
According to ESPN Analytics Seth Walder, Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was among the league’s standout players who were omitted from this year’s Pro Bowl (and we totally agree, as he is correct):
DeForest Buckner, DT, Indianapolis Colts
Who he should replace: Quinnen Williams, DT, New York Jets
It might have been under the radar in Indianapolis, but Buckner has had a seriously strong 2023 season. The 7.0 sacks are solid, but it is his 18% pass rush win rate at defensive tackle — third best at the position — that stands out. The volume has been there, too, as his 53 pass rush wins are the second most among defensive tackle qualifiers.
Buckner was passed up for Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs, Quinnen Williams of the New York Jets, and Justin Madubuike of the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC.
Buckner’s pass rush win rate of 18% (despite facing a 67% double team percentage) is tied for third best among all NFL defensive tackles and the highest in the AFC among all players at his position, according to ESPN Analytics.
Buckner has 75 tackles (44 solo), 10 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, 49 total QB pressures, 29 QB hurries, 12 QB hits, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery (returned for a touchdown) in 16 games (15 starts).
Buckner has once again established himself as one of the top pass-rushing defensive tackles in the game, as he is absolutely exceptional at his position. He’s the driving force behind defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s defense behind the Colts’ defensive line, and the high impact and attention he commands along the interior creates extra opportunities for his teammates.
While there were other Colts players who were deserving and have their own complaints about being overlooked, such as breakout starting linebacker Zaire Franklin, who currently leads the league in total tackles (170), and starting center Ryan Kelly, who’s had a career revival—regaining his prior Pro Bowl form—Buckner’s omission is the most egregious to me in 2023.
He’s already a nationally recognized name and has been the Colts’ top player all season, and the advanced numbers show that he’s been genuinely great for the 2023 season.
It reinforces what we already suspected: with the fan vote accounting for 13% of the total Pro Bowl vote balloting, this isn’t the best indication of how excellent any single player has been this season—and is, once again, a glorified popularity battle. Buckner may eventually make the Pro Bowl as a Pro Bowl alternate, but it should never have come to that.
