INDIANAPOLIS – It’s been an offseason of growth for DeForest Buckner.
Personally and professionally.
On the homefront, wife Ashlyn delivered the couple’s first daughter, Gianna Marie, on April 19, adding to sons Dominic and Jordan.
Buckner has found himself juggling the Indianapolis Colts’ offseason workouts with expanded duties at home.
“Shoot, this time around, obviously having an infant, especially a girl, when you’re tired and stuff like that, it’s kind of like, ‘Oh, what do you need big girl?’’’ he said with a wide grin Wednesday afternoon.
At work, the defensive cornerstone has looked on as significant pieces have been added to a unit that regressed in 2024.
In mid-January, Lou Anarumo replaced Gus Bradley as defensive coordinator.
Buckner was quick to reach out, first by phone and then in person. He spent much of February working out at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
“We had some great conversations just about the mindset and how we are going to move forward as a defense and wanting to be one of the top defenses in the league,’’ Buckner said.
What will it take from a character and accountability standpoint? That was an underlying issue with the defense last season. Buckner and Anarumo discussed the expected work ethic, players earning the trust of the coaching staff and vice versa.
The two-time All-Pro tackle also did some vetting of Anarumo.
“When I was doing my research up on him,’’ Buckner said, “I saw that a lot of the players back in Cincy called him the ‘Mad Scientist.’
“I found out why when I got the first install. It’s been good stuff.’’
After getting up to speed with his new coordinator, Buckner saw the disappointment that followed him into the offseason after missing the playoffs for a fourth straight season replaced by encouraging personnel decisions.
There were the $60 million free-agent investments in cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Cam Bynum, then the selection of defensive end JT Tuimoloau (round 2) and cornerback Justin Walley (round 3) of the draft.
“Great additions,’’ Buckner said. “I was excited. I feel like Mooney (Ward) and Bynum are both dynamic players, big playmakers. (They will) bring a lot of energy to the defense.’’
His demeanor Wednesday was in stark contrast to the day after the season-ending 26-23 overtime win over Jacksonville. Buckner was frustrated with a defense that simply wasn’t good enough – 29th in total yards allowed (361.2), 29th in points allowed (25.1) – and too often allowed individual impulses to sabotage the collective effort.
The defense yielded at least 400 total yards six times, which doesn’t include the 45-33 road embarrassment against the New York Giants in week 17 when they piled up 389 and averaged a ridiculous 7.3 yards per play.
“It was definitely a step back defensively, for sure,’’ Buckner said in early January. “At times, it felt like we were just a bunch of individuals out there. I take part ownership of that. I’m one of the leaders.’’
Egos got in the way.
“We all have egos,’’ he said, “but great teams, those guys sacrifice the egos and check it at the door.’’
At least initially, things are different and appear markedly better.
Again, there’s a cornerback with lock-down capabilities who’s started in three Super Bowls – two with Kansas City, one with San Francisco – and won a world championship with the Chiefs.
Look for Anarumo to have Ward shadow the opposing team’s top wide receiver when warranted.
“I think he’s up for that,’’ he said. “I’ve always done that, you know, match guy’s up with who I think is a good match-up for us.’’
Ward, he added, “has been a really good player, really good, consistent corner in our league for a long time. He can match up on the best receivers. He’s got length to guard bigger guys but is quick enough to handle the shorter, faster guys.
“He’s a full package.’’
Bynum brings a similar presence to the secondary. The Minnesota Vikings won at least 13 games twice and earned two playoff berths during his four seasons.
“Another guy that’s got a bunch of different skillsets that can help us,’’ Anarumo said. “He started out as a corner, so he’s got some coverage ability. He’s been able to take the ball away. He’s been a consistent tackler.
“He’s bringing a winning edge to our team.’’
A third piece came through the draft with Tuimoloau. He was a force on Ohio State’s national championship team. He generated 23.5 sacks and 43.5 tackles for loss in 55 games, including 12.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss in 2024.
“Super excited,’’ Anarumo said of the 6-4, 264-pounder. “I just think JT brings so many different tools with him. Can rush. He’s a big guy, so can slide down inside and use him somewhat as an inside rusher potentially. Stout against the run. Has been able to take the ball away.’’
Anarumo stressed a common denominator in the defensive additions.
“They’re used to winning and that’s a big part of becoming a consistent, winning team,’’ he said. “You’ve got guys who are used to it. (Tuimoloau) just won a national championship. Cam Bynum has been used to being in the playoffs. Ward has been in Super Bowls.’’
The reinforced secondary should result in Anarumo relying more on “sub’’ packages, certainly in obvious passing situations. That could compensate for a linebacker room that lacks proven depth.
“The days, to me, of putting linebackers on tight ends is not ideal for the defense,’’ Anarumo said. “So, you always want to get a bigger, longer athlete that maybe can run a little bit DB mindset.’’
Ebukam update
With all of the new additions, the status of a returning Colt could provide significant impact for Anarumo’s defense.
Samson Ebukam is on track to return after missing last season with a torn Achilles. He suffered the injury July 29 during the first few days of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield.
“Rehab’s good right now,’’ Ebukam said. “Just fine-tuning. I think definitely by the end of OTAs I’ll be in a great spot.’’
He expects to be medically cleared for the start of camp in late July.
Ebukam led the Colts with a career-best 9.5 sacks in 2023 before sustaining the injury.
“I didn’t know right away,’’ he said of the moment he tore the Achilles, “but I had a feeling.’’
The Colts set an Indy-era record with 51 sacks in ’23, but that dipped to 36 last season with Ebukam out of the mix.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.