Top 12 2015 Pac-12 defensive linemen: DeForest Buckner best defensive lineman in the Pac-12

1. DeForest Buckner Sr. DE Oregon

Buckner could have been a first round pick had he left a year early for the draft. He had 13 tackles for-loss in 2014 and holds the edge at a menacing 6'7 290.

2. Kenny Clark Jr. DT UCLA

The conference's best defensive tackle, Clark is a huge presence in the middle of the Bruin defense. He is the rare kind of player with the strength and size to hold up against the run but also the athleticism to make plays in the backfield.

3. Hunter Dimick Jr. DE Utah

Dimick had 10 sacks in 2014 playing on the other side from Nate Orchard. He might be the best pass rusher in the Pac-12 in 2015.

4. Eddie Vanderdoes Jr. DE UCLA

Vanderdoes came to UCLA as a five-star recruit and he has flashed the ability to be an ultra-versatile defensive lineman that can collapse the pocket. I think this is the year that he starts to fulfill his massive potential.

5. Lowell Lotulelei So. DT Utah

Star's younger brother was one of the best freshman defensive linemen in the nation in 2015. Like his older brother, Lotuelelei is a monster in the middle for the Utah defense and has All-American potential.

6. Alex Balducci Sr. DT Oregon

Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner may have gotten all of the attention the past couple of years, but Balducci was a steady force for the Ducks against the run in 2014. He will be the heart of the Duck defense in 2015.

7. Antwaun Woods Sr. DT USC

It seems like Woods has been around USC forever and he will likely take over for Leonard Williams as the Trojans‘ rock on the defensive line. He is one of the best run stuffers in the conference.

8. Reggie Gilbert Sr. DE Arizona

The Wildcats scored big when they got Gilbert back for another senior season. He can make plays in the backfield and hold up against the run.

9. Delvon Simmons Sr. DT USC

A Texas Tech transfer, Simmons made an instant impact in 2014 and should have an even bigger role in 2015. At 6'5 295 he's a big versatile presence up front for the Trojans.

10. Claude Pelon Sr. DE USC

Another big athlete up front for the Trojans who can move, Pelon is a little bit better at getting into the backfield than Woods and Simmons but will have to prove he can be a full-time player in 2015.

11. Kenny Bigelow So. DE USC

Bigelow is a major wild card. Bigelow is a former five-star recruit with Leonard Williams-type potential, but missed all of 2014 due to an injury.

12. Elijah Qualls So. DT Washington

A super athletic huge athlete poised to fill in for Danny Shelton.