Deone Bucannon

Deone Ariel Bucannon (pronounced DAY-own) (born August 30, 1992) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. He played college football for the Washington State Cougars. Originally drafted as a safety, Bucannon transitioned to play a hybrid safety-linebacker role in the Cardinals's 3–4 defense.

Bucannon attended Vanden High School in Fairfield, California. As a senior, he recorded 107 tackles, including four sacks, and had two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He also caught 20 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown on offense, and led Vanden to the second round of the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division III playoffs. He garnered his second-straight SCAC Defensive Player of the Year honor, in addition to all-league and all-city honors. In his junior year, he totaled 140 tackles, three sacks, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries, winning his first Solano County Athletic Conference Player of the Year award and being named All-CIF Sac-Joaquin Section and City Defensive Player of the Year.

Considered a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was rated as the 45th best safety prospect of his class.

Bucannon attended Washington State University from 2010 to 2013. As a senior in 2013, he was a First-team All-Pac-12 Conference and first-team All-American selection. He finished his career with 384 tackles and 15 interceptions.

Bucannon was considered one of the top safety prospects for the 2014 NFL draft.

Bucannon was selected by the Arizona Cardinals as the 27th pick of the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. On June 5, 2014, he signed a four-year, $7.7 million contract with a $3.92 million signing bonus and $6.23 million guaranteed. The contract also included a fifth-year option.

Bucannon began his first season starting as the strong safety. On September 8, 2014, he earned his first career start in the season opener against the San Diego Chargers and finished his first game with five tackles. During a Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos, he finished with a season-high seven solo tackles. In a 24–20 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on October 26, he recorded a season-high eight total tackles and a pass deflection. On November 9, 2014, Bucannon, racked up five total tackles (four solo) and his first career sack in a 31–14 victory over the St. Louis Rams. After finishing the season 11–5, the Cardinals played the Carolina Panthers in a Wild-card game on January 3, 2015. In his first playoff game, he recorded six total tackles (five solo) and a pass deflection.

During his rookie season, he finished with 83 total tackles, 66 solo tackles, two sacks, two pass deflections, and a forced fumbles in nine starts and 16 games. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Throughout his first season, he split starts with veteran Tony Jefferson.