Arizona Cardinals Pick SS Deone Bucannon in First Round of the 2014 NFL Draft

Photo Credit: AzCardinals.com

By Francisco Romero

The first round of the 2014 National Football Draft came and went by with anticipation, surprises and excitement for the newly employed professional football players and employers alike. 

The Arizona Cardinals with the 27th pick in the draft took Washington’s State Strong Safety Deone Bucannon. The Cardinals were slotted for the 20th pick of the first round, but a trade with New Orleans sent them to the 27th slot.

Who is Deone Bucannon?

NFL.com Analysis on Bucannon: “Good-sized, athletic, physical safety who stands out as a straight-line striker on tape and sets the tone. Has coverage limitations, but brings aggressiveness and intensity to carve a niche as a downhill box defender and core special-teams player. Must learn to become more assignment sound to maximize his potential.”

Bucannon adds depth, speed and strength to an already strong Cardinals secondary. He will join the likes of Patrick Peterson, Antonio Cromartie, and Tyrann Mathieu. It will be hard for receivers to find the middle of the field open and if they do, they will have to be ready for a beating.

“He’s a humble kid who loves to play the game and wants to learn from the best. We’ll give him opportunities to knock the crap out of people in our division,” stated Cardinals’ Head Coach Bruce Arians after Bucannon was drafted.

From Oakland, California, Bucannon is listed at 6’1”, 211 lbs. He finished the 2013 college football season as a member of the Cougars of Washington State University with 114 tackles and 6 interceptions; he was a four-year starter and was the captain of his team for three seasons.

Bucannon is expected to be a catalyst on the Cardinals defense and should be able to ease his way into a starter sooner rather than later.