Darius Leonard: DeForest Buckner can help Colts be 'number one defense in the NFL'

The Indianapolis Colts are one of the most exciting teams heading into the 2020 season, as they added several talented players to an already-loaded roster, including trading for San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Darius Leonard, who is the anchor of the Colts defense, explained how Buckner could help take the defense to the next level.

"Having DeForest come onto the team and help our defense out, he's a complete dog. Watching his tape, he has a motor that doesn't stop," Leonard told NFL Network. "You can not just focus on the linebackers, we got so many defensive linemen now that are gonna eat up on any offensive line that's in front of us. I think that's gonna allow the linebackers to run around, make more plays, take some stress off the defensive backs because they don't have to stay in coverage so long."

The Colts had one of the best run defenses in the NFL but struggled against the pass, so the team hopes that bringing in a force like Buckner will create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Buckner had 19.5 sacks and 34 QB hits over the last two seasons combined, helping to turn the 49ers into one of the most fearsome defenses in the league. Leonard believes he can have the same influence in Indianapolis.

"I'm definitely looking forward to him coming out here and, you know, bring that dog mentality that he's had and help this defense win and be the number one defense in the NFL," Leonard said.