When we call Deone Bucannon a safety, it is almost funny. He has yet to really play a down of safety in the NFL. He spent his rookie season as a dollar linebacker. Then he played as the starting inside linebacker in 2015 for the Cardinals, putting together a very good statistical season, with tackles, sacks, forced fumbles and interceptions. Even the Madden video game started listing him on the depth chart as a linebacker. He is listed as a safety on the roster but as a linebacker on the depth chart.
He played at about 210 pounds last season. He has bulked up this offseason.
He told ESPN's Josh Weinfuss he added 12 pounds in the offseason and is at 222. Weinfuss observed it looked like he added all muscle -- he appears to be thicker.
Mike Jurecki said he plans on playing 2016 at about 215 pounds.
Teammate Tony Jefferson has taken notice.
It appears Bucannon is the present and future at inside linebacker.The team doesn't seem to have any plans on playing him anywhere else. Adding bulk is a smart thing, but not too much, as he still will want to play with the same speed.
Bucannon already got All-Pro votes last season. What will 2016 bring for the young man?