NFL Draft Profile: Calijah Kancey
Taking a look at the undersized and explosive DT from Pitt, Calijah Kancey
The interior defensive line class is interesting. You’ll have the incredibly athletic Jevon Carter from Georgia looking to be a No. 1 pick which would be the first time since 2017 a defensive player was taken No. 1 overall, you also have Bryan Beese with high talent but injury concerns. But the more you look at the class, you see a lot of run stuffers but no real pass rush specialists. Sure, guys with good pass rush upside after Beese, but no one that is a pass rushing force. That is where Kancey breaks the mold.
Calijah Kancey is a junior DL from Pitt. He didn’t start until late 2020 and made himself to be a force. In 2021, he made all-ACC first team selection and in 2022 made consensus all-American honors and won ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
Strengths:
Great/Elite explosiveness. Pops out of his stance and engages with his man.
Good speed, agility and suddenness. Often the first defensive player for Pitt to get after the quarterback. Great first step too
In two full years as a starter, had 14 sacks, two 7-sack seasons
Does well at staying low and getting underneath his targets pads. Takes away their leverage.
Has very sound technique in his pass rushing toolbox. Able to use a good array of pass rushing moves to take on OL. Rips, bull rushes, swims, chops, you name it.
Hands are incredibly quick.
Does well penetrating gaps
High motor and doesn’t quit.
Very flexible and has good contact balance.
Dynamic
Weaknesses:
Pretty small and undersized. Reported to be 6’0” weighing 280lbs.
Reach is average.
Might need to get stronger to handle massive guards in the pros.
Run defense is fine. His ability to stay low and does well enough to anchor himself using leverage doesn’t make him a liability in run situations but won’t be this top tier run defender. Would likely need to be paired with a good nose guard.
Shown to take snaps at edge but lacks the length to handle tackles.
Pro Comparison
Mike Daniels
Draft Projection:
Early Second Round/Late First Round
Overall:
Kancey is perhaps one of the best pass rushing DL in this draft. Carter is probably more athletic and well-rounded and Beese with his traits could be better, but as of now, I’d side with Kancey if I want interior pressure. He is very technically sound and has the explosiveness, speed and flexibility to be a force. He’s towards the bottom on many boards, but as tape on him becomes available, he will shoot up draft boards quickly. Kancey can add mass to be closer to 300 while keeping his speed and explosiveness as well as getting stronger. I’m not worried about his run defense. Just don’t plug him as a 1T NT. He is a 3T pass rushing DT and is very good at what he does.