Undersized is an Understatement

With undisciplined linebacker Daryl Washington serving a one year suspension, Arizona searched for the next best option. Ideally, a prototypical NFL linebacker is 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds. Some pivotal linebackers that come to mind: Jeremiah Trotter, Philadelphia Eagles; Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears; London Fletcher, Buffalo Bills. However, Arizona's confidence in second year safety Deone Bucannon launched a new trend.

Coming out of Washington State, Bucannon impressed draft analysis Mike Mayock with his "punishing tackling technique and overall size". Despite being a projected 4th or 5th round draft pick, general manager Steve Keim selected Bucannon with the 27th overall pick, in the 2014 draft. It had also marked the first time a Washington State player was drafted by an NFL team since cornerback Marcus Trufant was seletcted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2003, according to seahawks.com. During the 2014 campaign, Bucannon played an underrated role in a crowded secondary. He recorded 75 tackles during nine starts and displayed a hard hitting tenacity. Despite an encouraging rookie performance, Bucannon headed into the off-season facing two obstacles: The change in defensive coordinators and the possibility of permanetly switching positions.

Although he had limited expierence as an inside linebacker, head coach Bruce Arians acknowledged that "He (Bucannon) can cover backs and can cover tight ends. He's got linebacker skills, safety skills. It's good to get him in there the most we can get him in there." Newly hired defensive coordinator James Bettcher had high hopes for the second year pro, but knew there was always room for improvement. Retired linebacker Larry Foote was another hire that helped Bucannon become more comfortable with his new position. After Sean Weatherspoon went down with an achilles injury, Bucannon would play a pivitol role for the remainder of the 2015 season. His eleven tackle performance against the Detriot Lions was the turning point of his season.

Known as the moneybacker, Bucannon's switch in late October proved to be an efficient decision by Arizona's coaching staff. Bucannon ended up leading the Cardinals with 119 tackles and was key memeber for the sixth ranked run defense (91.3 Yards Allowed Per Game). His versatility made him a difference maker on the field as he was able to lineup against speedy slot receivers and punished running backs with authority. Saftey Rashad Johnson was amazed by Bucannon's transition to inside linebacker and said that "The only thing close was in my rookie year when Adrian Wilson would slide into the box in nickel and dime packages, Bucannon got the moneybacker nickname from his frequent apperances in the nickel and dime formations, which gave him more space to display his playmaking abilities. Bucannon's storied season influenced teams, such as the Los Angeles Rams, (Previosuly St. Louis) to start safties at linebacker. Bucannon's surroundings helped ignite big performances, but his unselfish and ruthless play made him a valuable member on the defense.