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Michael Buchanan | Defensive End

Team: Illinois Fighting Illini
Age / DOB:  (22) / 1/24/1991
Ht / Wt:  6'5' / 240

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Recent News

Patriots selected Illinois DE Michael Buchanan with the No. 226 overall pick.
Buchanan (6-foot-5 3/8, 255) was highly touted entering his senior season, but finished 2012 with pedestrian sack (4.5) and tackle-for-loss (7.0) stats. He did demonstrate burst with a 1.59 ten-yard split at the front end of his 4.78 Combine forty time. Buchanan played "space" linebacker in the Illini's 3-3-5 scheme and has long arms (34"). Buchanan will likely compete for a special teams role initially. Apr 27 - 6:28 PM

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Date:
Michael Buchanan - DL - Fighting Illini

Teams who run a 3-4 base defense have been showing the most interest in Illinois pass rusher Michael Buchanan.

After noting he currently weighs 252 pounds, Buchanan said "but I think I can get up to whatever a team asks me to do." We really liked Buchanan's 2011 film, but just like the rest of the Illinois defense, he was a let down in 2012. Still, Buchanan has talent as an edge rusher. It didn't just disappear.
Source: Chicago Sun Times
Apr 24 - 2:05 PM
Michael Buchanan - DL - Fighting Illini

Russ Lande of National Football Post writes that teams are looking at Illinois DE/LB Michael Buchanan as a 3-4 OLB.

"While he definitely showed some stiffness in his workout, he definitely showed the athleticism to be productive playing from a two point outside linebacker stance in a 34 scheme and a source at the workout told us that in his view that is clearly his best position in the NFL," Lande wrote. Some have had questions about Buchanan but he's more athletic than given credit for. He's done work as a pure space linebacker in Illinois' 3-3-5 packages.
Source: National Football Post
Mar 8 - 12:35 PM
Michael Buchanan - DL - Fighting Illini

Illinois DE Michael Buchanan ran an official 4.78 forty at the NFL Combine.

Buchanan also recorded a 1.59 10 yard split. Buchanan was a highly rated player heading into the 2012 season but vanished during many games. He has talent, but Buchanan likely projects as a pass rushing outside linebacker.
Feb 25 - 12:35 PM
Michael Buchanan - DL - Fighting Illini

Illinois DE Michael Buchanan has accepted an invitation to participate in the Senior Bowl.

Buchanan entered the season as a potential top-20 selection but played nowhere near that level in 2012. SOme may look to the loss of Whitney Mercilus as an explanation for Buchanan's regression, but he failed to show consistent effort and always looked a stepped behind his opponent. Still, with a good week of practice in Mobile, Buchanan could be a top-50 selection.
Source: Senior Bowl on Twitter
Wed, Dec 26, 2012 05:43:00 PM
Michael Buchanan - DL - Fighting Illini

SI's Tony Pauline stated that Illinois senior DE Michael Buchanan's stock has taken a "significant tumble and (he) may fall out of the draft's top 75 choices."

Buchanan entered the season as one of the top seniors at the position, so he obviously has the skills to be a factor, but he has been handled by single blocks too often this year. The senior has been practically non-existent in the last two games and was consistently handled by future NFL player and Michigan tackle Taylor Lewan.
Source: Sports Illustrated
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 12:30:00 PM
Michael Buchanan - DL - Fighting Illini

Illinois senior DE Michael Buchanan created plenty of pressure in Saturday's opener against Western Michigan and was credited for two tackles for loss, one sack, and two hits on the quarterback.

Buchanan also recorded an interception Western Michigan senior quarterback Alex Carder struggled due to Buchanan's upfield presence. The Illini offer plenty of defensive talent, but the senior end may be the best among them. With a combination of outside rush to inside spin move, Buchanan should pick up a large part of the slack that left with Whitney Mercilus, and the former could end up being a better talent.
Sun, Sep 2, 2012 10:28:00 AM
Michael Buchanan - DL - Fighting Illini

Sporting News' Russ Lande considers Illinois senior Michael Buchanan the top draft-eligible DE prospect heading into the 2012 season.

Lande divulged that NFL scouts told him prior to the 2012 Draft that Buchanan was a better prospect than first rounder and teammate Whitney Mercilus. According to Lande, "NFL teams have shown a willingness to sacrifice a little size at the defensive end position to get an elite pass rusher" so Buchanan's smaller frame will not be an issue. Citing his ability to win around the edge or cutting inside, Lande gives the senior a high first-round projection.
Source: Sporting News
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 12:53:00 PM
Michael Buchanan - DL - Fighting Illini

Illinois senior DE Michael Buchanan is a potential first-round selection, according to CBS Sports' Dane Brugler.

Moving from the "Bandit" position to Whitney Mercilus' "Leo" spot, Buchanan is prepared to handle the spotlight in 2012 while also facing more attention from offensive coordinators. Brugler explains that Buchanan uses his length effectively and has the athleticism to play in space. The senior may be seen as a tweener to some, but after coming off of a junior season where he racked up 7.5 sacks, teams could stretch scheme fit if Buchanan continues to improve.
Source: CBS Sports
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 11:44:00 AM
Michael Buchanan - DL - Fighting Illini

SI's Tony Pauline considers Illinois senior DE Michael Buchanan a top two-round prospect.

Citing Buchanan's athleticism, length, and movement skills, Pauline believes the college end will get looks as both a rush linebacker and defensive lineman at the next level. This kind of versatility is great for Buchanan's evaluation since he will appeal to multiple defensive schemes. Despite losing fellow pass rusher Whitney Mercilus to the NFL, the Illini defense remains very talented.
Source: TFY Draft Insider
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 03:29:00 PM
Michael Buchanan - DL - Fighting Illini

Illinois DE Michael Buchanan suffered a broken jaw during a weekend "altercation".

Other than having his mouth wired shut for the next few weeks, Buchanan is not expected to miss any significant time. After wrapping up last season with 64 tackles and 7.5 sacks across from Whitney Mercilus, Buchanan should draw more attention this year as part of a talented Illinois defense. Details of the altercation are not currently available.
Source: Chicago Tribune
Thu, Jun 14, 2012 11:16:00 AM