DeForest Buckner Returns to Oregon: Latest Details and Reaction

Oregon Ducks star defensive end DeForest Buckner could have entered the 2015 NFL draft but instead announced on Wednesday that he'll stay in Eugene for his senior season.

Rob Moseley of GoDucks.com reported the news, including a statement from Buckner regarding his decision, which featured a glowing review of defensive line coach Ron Aiken:

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After sitting down with my parents and weighing all the pros and cons, I have come to the conclusion that it is best for me to return to school for my senior year. I am close to finishing my degree and that is very important to me. That is the reason I came here in the first place. 

I love the University of Oregon and see big things for us next year. Plus I feel that another year of experience here and under Coach (Ron) Aiken can only help my development and better prepare me for the next level.

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This is great news for head coach Mark Helfrich's Oregon program, which just lost the national title game to Ohio State 42-20.

In addition to losing Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota to the NFL on Wednesday, per Moseley, another dynamic player on the Ducks' front seven in Arik Armstead declared for the draft as well. Chantel Jennings of ESPN.com reported that development on Tuesday.

The Register-Guard's Ryan Thorburn favored Buckner over Armstead as a player in his analysis of the former's somewhat surprising move to stay in school:

NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah also compared the two Oregon defensive playmakers, hinting that Buckner indeed has the tools to excel in the pros now:

Buckner was projected as a second-round draft pick and was ranked No. 50 overall as the eighth-best defensive end on CBSSports.com's prospect rankings. That goes to show how deep the 2015 draft class is expected to be at the position.

With how big Buckner's frame is, though, he is capable of shifting inside to defensive tackle in a 4-3 alignment. Combine that with his immense athleticism, and Buckner may have indeed made the proper decision to play one more year of NCAA football.

While there is some concern to be had that playing another season at Oregon could present injury hazards, Buckner has a chance to improve his stock and emerge as a consensus 2016 first-rounder if all goes according to plan.

On a Ducks team that will be seeking leadership amid an uncertain post-Mariota era, retaining Buckner is all the more critical for Oregon to avoid a post-College Football Playoff down year.