By most projections, this lines up as the best and deepest reservoir of talent on the defensive line for an NFL Draft in decades.

But even amid that rare abundance, there is no problem seeing Waianae’s DeForest Buckner above the crowd.

Of course, it helps that he is 6 feet, 7 inches, and nearly 300 pounds. But there is a lot more that makes Buckner stand out these days. Enough that there looms the possibility, analysts suggest, that he could be the highest defensive pick in this draft.

Heading into this week’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, analysts are raving about the potential that the Punahou School and University of Oregon graduate brings to the defensive line.

“I think he’s special. I think he’s a stud, I think he … can play up and down the defensive line of scrimmage, he’s nasty, he’s tough, he’s powerful (and) he has a little Reggie White hump move that’s friggin’ awesome,” said the NFL Network’s Mike Mayock on Monday on “The Rich Eisen Show.”

“Eight to 10 years from now, I think he’ll be one of the guys that we will be looking back at that will be in the conversation for the best defensive player that comes out for this draft,” Mayock said.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. was only slightly less effusive in a media conference call Monday repeatedly touting Buckner. When asked what Buckner might have to demonstrate at the NFL Combine, Kiper said flatly, “Buckner is going to go high, no matter what.”

It is, apparently, just a matter of how high — and to which eager team.

Ohio State defensive lineman Joey Bosa and Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey are rated as Buckner’s chief rivals for the highest defensive selection in the three-day draft. Before the 2015 season started Bosa was pegged as the top pick in the draft, but Buckner’s ability to play in a 3-4 defense might give him the edge come selection day since the San Diego Chargers hold the No. 3 pick, barring a trade.

Kiper said, “Buckner is a rare talent for his size. He fits the 3-4 scheme ideally, that’s why I have him going to San Diego. He is a guaranteed top-five, top-six pick — at worst a six. I have him going (No. 3) to San Diego.”

The Tennessee Titans, who own the No. 1 pick, are expected to take Mississippi offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil to better protect the face of their franchise, quarterback Marcus Mariota. Tunsil allowed two sacks in 28 games at Ole Miss.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns, owners of the No. 2 selection, desperately need a quarterback.

That would set the stage for the first defensive pick. “Ramsey would be in the mix, (as well as) Buckner, those are the guys who are vying for the No. 1 spot on the boards,” Kiper said.

Last year, after his junior season, Buckner said he gave serious thought to an early draft entry before choosing to stay in and finish school.

The decision to return and what Buckner has demonstrated with it have raised him above the considerable competition. Said Kiper: “He’s way up there in the stratosphere.”

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@staradvertiser.com or 529-4820.