Sunday, January 22, 2023

2023 NFL Draft Prospect DT Calijah Kancey

DT Calijah Kancey:

Scouting Reports:









Articles:

Lions' 2023 Draft Wants (FIRST ROUND - DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  The next Aaron Donald? Maybe.  Kancey put on a show at the NFL Scouting Combine, with an impressive 4.67-second 40-yard dash time.  He recorded 7.5 sacks in his final season at Pittsburgh, and would be a solid addition to the interior of Detroit's defensive line.) (4-27-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2023-draft-wants

Lions take Calijah Kancey at No. 18 | 'Daniel Jeremiah's Mock Draft' (4-27-23):  https://www.nfl.com/videos/lions-take-calijah-kancey-at-no-18-daniel-jeremiah-s-mock-draft

2023 NFL Draft: Best research stats from notable prospects (Calijah "Aaron Donald" Kancey - An undersized, athletic, pass rushing defensive tackle from the University of Pittsburgh sounds like a script we've read before. Now, I am not saying Calijah Kancey will be Aaron Donald. However, the similarities are eerie. At almost identical measurements, approximately 6-foot-1, 280 pounds, Kancey ran a 4.67 40-yard dash to Donald's 4.68 at the combine. Over his final two seasons at Pitt, Kancey pressured the passer on 14 percent of his pass rush snaps, the highest among all Power 5 interior defensive linemen. Georgia's Jalen Carter ranked second with a 12.9 quarterback pressure percentage.) (4-26-23):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-best-research-stats-from-notable-prospects

NFL draft preview: Pass rushers will go early, though questions linger (At defensive tackle, Kancey is a blur of a pass rusher, though his short arms (30 5/8 inches) could be a disqualifier for some teams. It’s a thin interior line group behind Carter and Kancey. Bresee and Michigan’s Smith are likely top-50 picks, South Carolina’s Zacch Pickens should hear his name called later on because of his pass rush potential and Wisconsin’s Keeanu Benton is as experienced as any run stopper in the draft.) (4-26-23):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/04/26/nfl-draft-preview-pass-rushers-will-anderson-jalen-carter/70152516007/

2023 NFL Draft Week Rumors Wednesday (Some large defensive linemen who could interest Buffalo in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft could include Michigan's Mazi Smith and Clemson's Bryan Bresee. Sources say that Pittsburgh's Calijah Kancey is not a fit because he is too similar to Ed Oliver as an undersized fast defender.  If the Bills were to take an offensive lineman on Thursday night, they could look to the defensive line on Day 2. Smith might slide, and other options for Buffalo could include Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter and Baylor's Siaki Ika.) (4-26-23):  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/2023-NFL-Draft-Week-Rumors-Wednesday

2023 NFL Draft: 9 polarizing prospects (DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  As an undersized, explosive defensive tackle from Pittsburgh, the Aaron Donald comparisons for Kancey are inevitable. He broke Donald’s combine record with a 4.67-second 40-yard dash and was the highest-graded pass rusher of any defensive tackle in the country in 2022. He held up well in the run game too with an 80.9 run defense grade.  Kancey will be a litmus test for smaller defensive tackles. Guys like Donald are dominant, but there seems to still be a perception issue with guys like that being able to hold up against NFL running games. Kancey ranks 14th on PFF’s final big board yet is being mocked in the early-to-mid second round by some outlets. It will be interesting to see if any team values Kancey for the elite pass-rusher that he is earlier than that.) (4-26-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-9-polarizing-prospects

Lions mailbag: Answering your NFL Draft questions (Q: I'm just curious, which top prospect will be there at the start of Round 2, and what Day 2 prospect gets drafted in the first round that would catch people by surprise? — @mrstingray93.  Pitt defensive lineman Calijah Kancey could be a first-round pick, or he could slide into the second round of the NFL Draft.  A: Well, given analysts have been saying there are only 15-20 first-round talents in this draft, I'm not sure anyone should be surprised by a prospect sliding to the second round, outside of an unknown or understated injury concern causing a consensus top-20 guy to fall.  If there's one guy frequently mocked in the first round I wouldn't be surprised to see slide it's Pittsburgh's Calijah Kancey. The athletic gifts are so impressive, but NFL decision-makers all have preferred measurement thresholds and Kancey's length has the potential to scare off a lot of teams.) (4-25-23):  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/04/25/detroit-lions-mailbag-answering-your-nfl-draft-questions/70148692007/

Ryan Fowler’s ‘My Guys’ For 2023 NFL Draft: Defense (Calijah Kancey (Pitt) - A unique prospect that will immediately boost a team’s sack totals from the interior, while 5-techs are looked upon to holster pressure totals annually, drafting an athlete that understands the optics of pushing the interior opens up Pandora’s box for a unit. It happens every year—we often get too cute toward a player’s evaluation, often finding non-tangible outliers to hold us back from selling ourselves on a prospect. But folks, it’s OK to pound the table for ‘your guy,’ and when it comes to myself, Kancey is a player I expect to produce early.) (4-25-23):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-defense-my-guys-fowler/

2023 NFL draft: Interior defensive line still among top needs for Detroit Lions (It’s not all about Carter on the interior defensive line, though. Pittsburgh’s Calijah Kancey has emerged as one of the most popular picks for the Lions at No. 18. Clemson’s Bryan Bresee has continued getting thrown all over the board on Day 1. Both are legit prospects offering a different flavor. Kancey might be the fastest defensive tackle in the league on Day 1, with ridiculous juice from the inside. And Bresee was the nation’s top recruit just a few years ago. Bresee moves way too well for someone weighing nearly 300 pounds. If the Lions pass on Carter at Pick 6, these are two options to track.) (4-25-23):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/04/2023-nfl-draft-interior-defensive-line-still-among-top-needs-for-detroit-lions.html

TWENTYMAN: 10 prospects who make sense for Lions in first round (9. DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  He led all defensive tackles in tackles for loss (14.5) in 2022 and became the school's first unanimous All-American since Aaron Donald. He's undersized like Donald, but he lived in the opposing backfield in college with his quick step and burst. He plays with great pad level and was the most disruptive interior defender in college football the last two seasons.) (4-25-23):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-prospects-nfl-draft-lions-first-round-anderson-carter-wilson

Lions Perfect 2023 NFL Draft Fits (Interior defensive lineman: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh - Drawing comparisons to Aaron Donald, Kancey has been a hot name on the pre-draft circuit. A strong NFL Scouting Combine showing and some impressive stats in his final college season have boosted his stock. Though he's undersized for his position, the youngster has elite pass-rush ability. He totaled 16.5 sacks in four seasons, and notched 34.5 tackles for loss.   Alim McNeill appears to be a reliable run-stopper in the middle of the defense, so Kancey would be an adequate addition to provide some pass-rushing spark.) (4-24-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-perfect-2023-draft-fits

The 8 safest NFL Draft picks in 2023, from Will Anderson Jr. to Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt (Ranked No. 47 overall on SN's big board):  Kancey – a Miami native – is a 6-foot-1, 280-pound defensive tackle whose measurements are almost identical to Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive tackle Warren Sapp. Kancey put on a show at the NFL Combine and ran a 4.67 in the 40-yard dash. He was a consistent producer for the Panthers the last two seasons with 14.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss. He had the third-highest pass rushing grade (92.4) in college last season, according to Pro Football Focus. That blend of skills from an interior defender is hard to find.) (4-23-23):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/draft-picks-2023-safest-picks-will-anderson-jaxon-smith-njigba/uahrghh47u23ospj1rynkk0f

2023 NFL Draft: All-Pros, Pro Bowlers and overachievers in this class (PRO BOWLERS - These prospects are regarded as difference-makers based solely on their talent. They should make immediate contributions as rookies and rank among the top 10 at their position within two to three years.  6.  Calijah Kancey) (4-21-23):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-all-pros-pro-bowlers-and-overachievers-in-this-class

2023 NFL Draft: What Does the Defensive Tackle Class Look Like Behind Jalen Carter? (Calijah Kancey Falling After Zero Top-30 Visits?  During the pre-draft process, all 32 teams can bring in 30 prospects of their choosing for a 24-hour visit with coaches and the front office, overall spending a significant amount of time with the player.  Teams value these visits because they can check boxes in their evaluation process, go over film, and use them to evaluate character concerns, as most did with Carter.  Not every player drafted is given a 30 visit with a team before the draft, but it’s unusual for a player considered a first-round talent not to get one. Pittsburgh’s Kancey spoke on NFL Now about how he received zero invites to meet with teams as a 30 visit.  Not having your name on these lists doesn’t mean a team is not interested in drafting the specific player. It could be so teams keep it private that there is genuine interest in someone like Kancey.  A team like the Baltimore Ravens, who pick at No. 22 overall in Round 1, could certainly use help at DT after releasing Calais Campbell and are out of position in the draft to select a player like Carter without having to trade up.  Production alone would make Kancey a lock to be a first-round pick. He finished his college career with 16 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss in 33 games. However, he could fall out of the first round because his measurables are in the lower percentile for what is considered ideal to be successful in the NFL at his position.  If a team were to bet on Kancey as a top-30 pick, his rare athleticism and testing off the charts at the NFL Combine would help his case. He ran an official 4.67 second 40-yard dash which is the fastest time for a DT since 2003.  Other defensive tackles, like Kancey, also have the production and buzz to be a top-50 pick in next week’s draft.) (4-21-23):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/defensive-tackle-class-jalen-carter-2023/

Risers, fallers, teams trading up and more draft topics (6. Which player has the chance to be a surprise top-10 pick?  Trapasso: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh -- "It's a weak defensive tackle class, and finding explosive interior rushers is not easy. That's precisely what Kancey is.") (4-20-23):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-risers-and-fallers-in-the-first-round-teams-that-could-trade-up-and-other-narratives/

The 2023 NFL Draft Class' Best at Everything: The top performers in 100 PFF premium stats (Best interior pass rusher: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh - Kancey led all FBS interior defensive linemen in 2022 with a 92.4 pass-rushing grade and an 18.4% pressure rate, while his 22.2% pass-rush win rate paced the Power Five.) (4-20-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-class-best-at-everything-100-premium-stats

Calijah Kancey says he didn't have a single visit with any team (4-19-23):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2023/04/19/calijah-kancey-no-pre-draft-visits-top-30-visits-2023-nfl-draft-prospect/

Top 10 DTs in the 2023 NFL Draft: Jalen Carter Stands Tall on the Interior (3. Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  Calijah Kancey is 6’0″ and 275 pounds. Compared to most players on this list, he looks like an edge rusher. Size outliers like Kancey need to be elite in several other areas to potentially counteract their size concerns and win over NFL scouts. Luckily for Kancey, he is.  Kancey is a walking mismatch 1-on-1 inside with his elite first step, hyperactive twitch, ankle flexion, and violent hand usage. While his frame is undersized in all categories, Kancey has a lot of projected versatility with his athleticism and flexibility, and his motor never rests.) (4-18-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-defensive-tackles-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-include-bryan-bresee-and-jalen-carter/

The 2023 All-Juice Team: Terez Paylor's legacy lives on with NFL Draft prospects he'd have loved (DT Calijah Kancey:  Kancey is a defensive tackle by trade, but listed as an edge prospect on the 2023 All-Juice Team. Kancey played defensive tackle at a high level in college, but his build (6-foot, 281 pounds at the NFL scouting combine) will make it difficult for teams to have him on the field on first down. He’s not built like former Pittsburgh DT Aaron Donald, who has played his way into first-ballot Hall of Fame status despite a smaller stature. Kancey has a frame that’s closer to a stout edge rusher more than an on-the-ball lineman.  What separates Kancey from other “tweener” DL prospects is that he has the athleticism to transition to the outside in the NFL. Despite weighing 280 pounds, Kancey ran the three-cone drill in 7 seconds this offseason, which would have been a great time if he actually was listed as an edge rusher. According to Mockdraftable, only one listed edge rusher ran a three-cone time faster than Kancey — Eastern Michigan pass rusher Jose Ramirez, who ran it in 6.95 seconds.  When looking at defensive linemen who may have to undergo a positional switch, the concept of translatable plays is crucial. In Kancey’s case, his ability to move in space and flip his hips to get around offensive linemen shows that he might be able to make that switch in the NFL if the interior offensive linemen in the NFL prove to be too much for him.  It’s not a one-to-one comparison, but when Melvin Ingram was coming out of South Carolina he flipped between defensive tackle and defensive end quite a bit and was even built similarly to Kancey. Ingram played much more defensive end than Kancey did in college, but in terms of body types who can make the switch, Kancey’s profile aligns with Ingram’s in that manner. Of course, Kancey would need time to make a switch to being a full-time edge rusher, but he’s one of the rare guys who can do so.) (4-19-23):  https://sports.yahoo.com/the-2023-all-juice-team-terez-paylors-legacy-lives-on-with-nfl-draft-prospects-hed-have-loved-140030559.html

2023 NFL Draft preview: 5 defensive tackles that could interest the Lions (2. Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  6-1, 281. 4.67 40.  A four-year player, one game in 2019, 36 in the next three. Got better year by year as the stats show – 34.5 tackles for loss with 27.5 last two seasons; 16 sacks, 14.5 last two seasons.  Bottom line: Height and weight may not be ideal for a defensive tackle, but stats and production are. I picked the Lions to take him at No. 18 in my Mock draft 3.0. I see no reason to change my mind.) (4-16-23):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-preview-5-defensive-tackles-lions-carter-kancey-bresee

2023 NFL Draft: Ideal top two picks for every team (Round 1: No. 6 overall -- Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon, Round 1: No. 18 overall -- Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh):  Trading Jeff Okudah to the Falcons put the Lions in the market for an athletic corner like Gonzalez. His athleticism (4.38 40, 41.5-inch vertical at 6-1, 197 pounds) is only surpassed by his excellent ball skills. Kancey lacks size (6-1, 281 pounds) and length (30 5/8-inch arms) but is effective attacking gaps and uses his quickness to win inside. His ability to beat tackles with effort and leverage outside may also earn points with Lions' coaches and scouts.) (4-13-23):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-ideal-top-two-picks-for-every-team

2023 NFL Draft: Trevor Sikkema's top 5 players at each defensive position (2. Calijah Kancey:  Kancey is a rare combination of size and speed, but not in the best way; he’s a sub-5th-percentile interior defender in height, weight and arm length but a 95th-plus-percentile athlete for the position. He’ll have to join a team with a lot of beef around him for him to just be a one-gap defender.) (4-13-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-five-players-defense-2023-nfl-draft-sikkema

2023 NFL Draft Superlatives (Most Explosive: Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pitt - A unique prospect that will immediately boost a team’s sack totals from the interior, while 5-techs are looked upon to holster pressure totals annually, drafting an athlete that understands the optics of pushing the interior opens up Pandora’s box for a unit.  It’s OK to pound the table for ‘your guy,’ and when it comes to myself, Kancey is a player I expect to produce from day one due to his elite agility and ability to explode off the football along the defensive front. While comparisons to one of the best to ever do it in Aaron Donald have come—and while it may seem outrageous to speak on the two in the same sentence—the discrepancies aren’t as far off as you think. Although Donald has two-inch longer arms and much more foundational upper strength, the way in which both guys win within the trenches is similar. Get-off, quick hands to counter the punch of offensive linemen, the agility to jump from gap to gap, Kancey checks all the boxes.) (4-11-23):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-superlatives/

2023 NFL Draft: The top 8 interior defensive linemen (2. Calijah Kancey, Pitt (Height: 6′ 0⅝” (2nd percentile) Weight: 281 (4th), 40-Yard Dash: 4.67 (99th), 10-Yard Split: 1.64 (95th), Arm Length: 30⅝” (1st), Hand Size: 9⅛” (7th)) - Bio: A First-team All-Florida Class 6A defensive lineman for Miami Northwestern, Kancey helped his high school team to back-to-back Florida 6A state championships. He was an Administration of Justice major at Pitt, which fits nicely with his playing profile. In 2022, Kancey was named Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the second Pitt alum to be so honored. The other honoree, Aaron Donald, might be a familiar name.  Over three seasons with the Panthers, Kancey totaled 19 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, 64 quarterback hurries, 63 tackles, 63 stops, and one forced fumble. He had 1,040 snaps in the B-gaps, 311 in the A-gaps, 52 outside the tackles, and 14 over the tackles.  Stat to Know: Not only did Kancey have the highest pressure rate (percentage of pass rushes that resulted in a quarterback hurry, hit, knockdown, or sack) in this class among interior defensive linemen at 14%, he also tied with Clemson’s Bryan Bresee for the highest Quick Pressure Rate (percentage of pass rushes that resulted in the player generating the first pressure on the quarterback and doing so in 2.5 seconds or less) at 6%.  Strengths: Kancey also tied with San Diego State’s Jonah Tavai for the most tackles for loss (15) among all interior defensive linemen in the nation last season. And at his size, it’s amazing to watch how many times he’ll beat double teams to blow things up in the backfield.  As a pass rusher, Kancey has incredible lateral movement and quickness to slant around blockers; he’ll then use the power in his hands to press and disengage to the pocket. When he does this to you, you’re likely left thinking, “How did that just happen?” Overall, Kancey’s trump card — outside of his estimable quickness — is an upper body strength that allows him to just move multiple blockers aside to get to the ball. It’s a terrifying combination when he puts it all together.  Weaknesses: Kancey is great at beating double teams when he’s working to the side, but he’s not going to blast through them with pure strength by taking them on directly. In situations like this, the size issues do show up.  This holds true against one-on-ones as well — if Kancey isn’t using his lateral mobility to work around blockers, things can get ugly for him in a big hurry. Conclusion: Kancey is more than just a fun story because he amazed at the combine, or because he has so many splash plays for his size. He is a legitimate disruptor everywhere from edge to nose shade, though his ideal spot in the NFL would be as a three-tech tackle who can just frustrate blockers all day with his enviable combination of strength and quickness. Put him there, let him do his Tasmanian Devil thing every week, and prepare to reap the rewards.  NFL Comparison: Grady Jarrett. Jarrett was one of the most important players in Clemson’s knockout 2014 defense, but size concerns (6-foot-0, 205 pounds) saw him drop all the way to the fifth round, where the Atlanta Falcons got him. That was a multi-mistake on the part of 31 other teams, because Jarrett became a rolling ball of butcher knives in Atlanta’s fronts for years, and I think Kancey will be the same wherever he goes. I’ve seen comps from Aaron Donald to Ed Oliver in Kancey’s case, but this one makes the most sense to me.) (4-7-23):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-defensive-tackles-jalen-carter-calijah-kancey/

2023 NFL Draft: Undersized prospects poised to break the mold (DT CALIJAH KANCEY, PITTSBURGH:  Kancey will be a true mold breaker if he can succeed as an interior defensive lineman at the NFL level. At 6-foot 5/8 and 281 pounds, he’s in the 2nd and 4th percentiles, respectively. That’s not to mention his 30 5/8-inch arms, which are in the 1st percentile. He’s trying to play a big man’s position while being on the much lighter side.  The opposite side of that measurable coin is his athletic testing numbers. His 1.64-second 10-yard split ranks in the 95th percentile, and his 4.67-second 40-yard dash was the fastest time ever for an interior defensive lineman at the combine. And his 6.82-second three-cone (99th percentile) and 4.33-second short shuttle (94th percentile) were just as impressive. He might have to switch to edge instead of interior, but wherever he ends up, he has the athleticism to be a mold breaker.) (4-7-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-undersized-prospects-bryce-young-peter-skoronski

Evaluating the size outliers in the 2023 NFL Draft (DT: CALIJAH KANCEY, PITTSBURGH - There’s precisely zero track record of successful defensive tackles in the NFL who match Kancey’s weight (281 pounds) and arm length (30 ⅝ inches). You have to go back to Notre Dame’s Chris Zorich, who was the 49th pick by the Chicago Bears in 1991 to find a defensive tackle even close to both. That’s over 30 years!  To find a comparison for Kancey athletically, though, you have to go back even further — all the way to the beginning of NFL history actually. That’s because a comparison doesn’t exist. His 4.67-second 40-yard dash, 1.58-second 10-yard split, and sub-7-second three-cone are the best times for a defensive tackle ever. He plays football on fast forward. When that’s the case, size is far less of a concern.) (4-7-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-evaluating-the-size-outliers-in-the-2023-nfl-draft

Boom or bust: NFL draft's 13 biggest high-risk, high-reward prospects (Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt:  It's good to be an outlier when you're a defensive tackle blazing a 4.67-second 40-yard dash time at the combine, besting Aaron Donald's record for the position. But when you're answering for a 6-1, 281-pound frame and 30 5/8-inch arms – one of the shortest measurements for an interior defensive lineman in years – standing out isn't quite as fun. Kancey might get pushed around early and often in the run game by heftier guards and centers. He can still create havoc even as a limited designated pass rusher, but his future team might need to get creative with its usage of him to leverage his burst while limiting the issues tied to his build.) (4-5-23):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2023/04/05/nfl-draft-boom-bust-prospects-2023-anthony-richardson-will-levis/11563812002/

Frelund's two favorite prospects for Lions in Round 1 (4-5-23):  https://www.nfl.com/videos/frelund-s-two-favorite-prospects-for-lions-in-round-1

2023 NFL Draft Stock - Pro Days (Up - Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh:  Kancey has done well in the pre-draft interviews, according to team sources. They said he has impressed with his character and work ethic. Kancey is undersized, but he has serious interior pass-rush ability and could end up being a late first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Interior pass rushers are hard to find, and Kancey showed amazing speed to get after quarterbacks last season.) (3-28-23):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_28.php

2023 NFL Draft's best at everything: Top defensive line performers in 10 distinct categories (BEST PASS-RUSH GRADE - DI: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh (92.4):  If an NFL defensive tackle prospect is going to measure in at 6-foot-1 and 281 pounds with sub-31-inch arms, then he better be an excellent pass rusher. Luckily for Kancey, he's undeniably the best pure interior pass rusher in the class and one of the best in the past half-decade.  While his lack of size is seen as a detriment in many instances, it does help Kancey minimize his strike zone when rushing the passer, giving opposing blockers little surface area to land strikes and impede his progress. Kancey's elite 9.69 raw athletic score is easily identifiable on tape, as his quickness, burst and cornering enable him to generate pressure in a hurry. Kancey's 16 pressures in 2.5 seconds or less were the second most in the entire class, behind only San Diego State's Jonah Tavai (21).  BEST PASS-RUSH HAND TECHNIQUE - DI: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  While Kancey's athleticism provides him immense upside as a pass rusher, his hand technique is what enables him to consistently fulfill that upside on the field. Given Kancey's lack of size, he's never going to be the most effective power rusher; therefore, he must rely on his athleticism to get to the blocker's edge while his hand technique and footwork enable him to consistently find success.  Kancey's size gives him little room for error, as blockers can usually stymie his rush once they land their hands. The fact that he was still able to be such a dominant pass rusher just speaks to how well he times and places his hands.  BEST FINESSE RUSH - DI: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  Kancey's ability to win with speed and finesse is the best in the class, which is a big reason he's ranked so highly despite measuring in below many evaluator's thresholds for interior defensive linemen. Slower-footed interior offensive linemen have no chance against Kancey's overall athleticism and technical refinement in pass-rush situations.) (4-4-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-best-at-everything-top-defensive-line-performers-nick-herbig-calijah-kancey


Ranking the Lions’ best options with the 6th overall draft pick (Tier 4 — Outside the box picks.  DT Calijah Kancey (Pittsburgh), 6-foot-1, 281 pounds: Here is what I had to say about Kancey in my 2023 NFL Draft DT rankings:  Kancey is a tough prospect to project into the NFL due to his lack of size and length. He is in the second and fourth percentile in height and weight, respectively. His 30 5⁄8 inch arms also put him in the one percentile. He is comparable in size to Demetrius Taylor, who the Lions brought in as a UDFA in 2022, so it wouldn’t be unheard of for this regime to look at someone this size—though Kancey’s arms are nearly two full inches shorter. But quite frankly, it’s a bit too early to know exactly what they want in a DT. Holmes has selected just two defensive tackles in the draft in his tenure here so far, and they have two entirely different body types, so it’s unfair to rule Kancey out.  If you look past the size concerns you will find one of the most disruptive pass rushers we’ve seen in the past several years. His 92.4 pass-rushing grade via Pro Football Focus led all interior defenders in 2022. In a way, Kancey’s lack of height is a big reason why he is such a successful pass rusher. It allows him to consistently be the low man and win leverage battles.  No. 6 overall feels a bit rich for Kancey, but I wouldn’t completely rule it out due to the Lions desperately needing a defensive tackle that can rush the passer. This doesn’t seem like the type of pick Holmes would make if he’s going with the best player available, though.  How he fits: 3/5-tech; pass-rushing specialist and part-time run defender.) (4-3-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/4/3/23659870/2023-nfl-draft-rankings-detroit-lions-will-anderson-anthony-richardson-top-options-six-overall

Lions' 2023 NFL Draft First-Round Big Board (DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  Since setting the 40-yard dash record for defensive linemen at the Scouting Combine, Kancey has been viewed as a consensus first-rounder. There are concerns about his size and ability to be a reliable run defender, but there’s no questioning his mettle as a pass rusher.) (4-1-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2023-draft-first-round-big-board


Pro Day News and Rumors: Deonte Banks, Calijah Kancey, and Drew Sanders Solidify Draft Stock (Pro Day News and Rumors: Calijah Kancey Dominates Pro Day Workout - The Pittsburgh Panthers have three defensive linemen who should be drafted.  Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey followed up his swift 40-yard dash time at the Combine with a few other terrific testing numbers. He timed as fast as 4.28 seconds in the short shuttle, 6.9 seconds in the three-cone, and touched 33.5″ in the vertical jump. Kancey looked good in position drills and met with the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints.) (3-30-23):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/pro-day-news-and-rumors-deonte-banks-calijah-kancey-drew-sanders-solidify-draft-stock/

2023 NFL Draft: Best draft fits for every role along the defensive line and DL rankings (3-TECHNIQUE (NFL Prototype: Aaron Donald, 2023: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh):  Even if you’ve never seen a defensive line technique chart in your life, chances are you’ve still heard about the three-technique. Warren Sapp helped bring the term to prominence in Monte Kiffin’s 4-3 under fronts in the Tampa-2 defense. Because the three-technique is usually aligned to the weakside of the formation, it pretty much guaranteed a one-on-one opportunity for Sapp. Because of that, it’s a position that is characterized by pure disruption. Can you get off the ball and can you win one-on-one? If not, this role ain’t for you.  Sapp’s effectiveness in the role, however, was lapped in recent years by Donald. Since he entered the NFL in 2014, Donald has a 96.0 pass-rushing grade from the three-technique position — the highest of any one player from any one alignment in the PFF era. Silly.  Kancey — in case you haven’t heard — is also a small (6-foot-1, 281 pounds with 30 ⅝-inch arms), athletic defensive tackle that went to Pittsburgh. He even broke Donald’s 40-yard dash combine record for a defensive tackle with a 4.67. Kancey also has a set of pass-rushing moves that blows the rest of the defensive tackle class out of the water. His 93.0 pass-rushing grade from a three-technique alignment was the highest of any FBS defender by 2.3 points.) (3-29-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-best-draft-fits-for-every-role-along-defensive-line-jalen-carter-mazi-smith-siaki-ika

2023 NFL Draft DT prospect rankings: Jalen Carter leads a gifted group (3. Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh, 6-1, 281, Junior - Overview: In a class full of one-ton pickups, Kancey is the sports car of the position, terrorizing offenses with his get-up-and-go. He signed with Pitt as a three-star recruit after dominating at powerhouse Northwestern High School in Miami, registering a staggering 110 tackles his senior year. The blockers who faced him there or in the ACC didn’t need to wait until the 2023 Combine to know that Kancey was explosive. After all, he’d racked up 27.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks over the past two seasons at Pitt prior to scorching the track at Lucas Oil Stadium, clocking a 4.67-second time in the 40-yard dash that ranks as the fastest time from a defensive tackle in 20 years.  Strengths: In football, the low man usually wins. Kancey’s frame gives him an immediate advantage in that regard. He fires off the snap with rare explosiveness to complement that torque, generating impressive power as a bull rusher, overwhelming opponents often several inches and as much as 50 pounds heavier than him. Opposing blockers have little choice but to play back on their heels given Kancey’s quickness and that can leave them vulnerable to his very effective hesitation moves, where he leaves defenders stumbling at shadows while he dances by.  Kancey slips through blockers like he soaked his jersey in butter. He isn’t just quick, he’s flexible, dipping and dancing through tiny gaps to close on the ballcarrier. He shows zero hesitation against bigger blockers and as a tackler, playing with reckless abandon and seemingly little regard for his own safety, leaving his feet for drag-down stops.  Concerns: Significantly undersized with just 30 5/8" arms that can leave him simply being overwhelmed when blockers are able to latch on. Kancey plays a frenetic style that could be too feast-or-famine for some. His production at Pitt was certainly inflated by a highly aggressive blitz package that frequently gave Kancey one-on-one opportunities against slow-footed interior linemen.  Bottom Line: Despite what the hype might suggest, Kancey is not the second coming of Pitt predecessor Aaron Donald. He is certainly disruptive, however. Kancey is the Energizer Bunny of the 2023 NFL draft, attacking opponents with a combination of quickness, power and relentlessness that seems destined to continue generating both big plays and a rabid fan following in the NFL, just like he enjoyed at Pitt.  Grade: First-to-second round) (3-28-23):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-draft-dt-prospect-rankings-jalen-carter-leads-a-gifted-group

Lions 2023 NFL draft prospect: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh (3-28-23):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/28/lions-2023-nfl-draft-prospect-calijah-kancey-scouting-report/

Ranking the top DTs in this year’s class (Tier 2 — First round buzz, possible options at 18 - Calijah Kancey (Pittsburgh), 6-foot-1, 281 pounds:  Kancey is a tough prospect to project into the NFL due to his lack of size and length. He is in the second and fourth percentile in height and weight, respectively. His 30 5⁄8 inch arms also put him in the one percentile. He is comparable in size to Demetrius Taylor, who the Lions brought in as a UDFA in 2022, so it wouldn’t be unheard of for this regime to look at someone this size—though Kancey’s arms are nearly two full inches shorter. But quite frankly, it’s a bit too early to know exactly what they want in a DT. Holmes has selected just two defensive tackles in the draft in his tenure here so far, and they have two entirely different body types, so it’s unfair to rule Kancey out.  If you look past the size concerns you will find one of the most disruptive pass rushers we’ve seen in the past several years. His 92.4 pass-rushing grade via Pro Football Focus led all interior defenders in 2022. In a way, Kancey’s lack of height is a big reason why he is such a successful pass rusher. It allows him to consistently be the low man and win leverage battles.  How he fits: 3/5-tech; pass-rushing specialist and part-time run defender.  Round grade: First round) (3-23-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/23/23639576/2023-nfl-draft-ranking-the-top-dts-in-this-years-class

2023 NFL Draft: Defensive line prospect superlatives (BEST PASS-RUSH MOVES - Interior: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  A big part of the reason Kancey ranks so highly on the PFF draft board despite his less-than-ideal physical stature is that he knows wholesale how to rush the passer. He has a more well-rounded set of pass-rush moves than most starters at the position currently in the NFL. And when you watch him on tape, he never quits. He racked up 47 pressures on only 275 pass-rushing snaps this past season because he never gives up on a rush.  BEST GET-OFF - Interior: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  Kancey has one of the best get-offs you’ll ever see from an interior player. He’ll get into guards' chests prior to them even getting out of their stances. He may not be an every-down player, but Kancey is a problem as a pass-rusher.) (3-22-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-defensive-line-prospect-superlatives

2023 NFL Draft: Calijah Kancey scouting report (3-19-23):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-calijah-kancey-scouting-report/

2023 NFL Draft: Highlighting the outliers from the NFL scouting combine (DL CALIJAH KANCEY, PITTSBURGH (Best Drill: 40-yard dash, Result: 4.67 seconds, Percentile: 99th):  Kancey is a unique player – his tape shows that. He’s smaller in size (measured in at 6-foot ⅝, 281 pounds) but with that compact frame, he’s incredibly fast and explosive. Those who were big fans of the athletic strengths in his game wanted to see those boxes checked at the combine, and they were in a major way, as Kancey recorded the fastest 40-yard dash ever for an interior defensive lineman at 4.67 seconds. Kancey is an outlier in his size, which can be seen as a negative, but he is also an outlier in his speed, which is a useful asset.) (3-14-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-highlighting-the-outliers-from-the-nfl-scouting-combine-2023

Brooks: 5 prospects to re-examine; No. 1 pick trade! (Calijah Kancey
Pittsburgh · DT - The ultra-explosive inside pass rusher is built like a fire hydrant and plays like a bull in a china shop. Kancey's exceptional first-step quickness, snap-count anticipation and hand-to-hand combat skills make him a nightmare at the line of scrimmage. Though he possesses substandard physical dimensions (6-1, 281 pounds), the Pitt product's extraordinary speed (4.67-second 40-yard dash), athleticism and disruptive production (14.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss in two years as a full-time starter) conjure up images of another Pitt product, Aaron Donald.  While it is unfair to compare Kancey to a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the similar frame, disruptive play style and college helmet make it hard to not make the comp. With more tape study and Pitt's pro day on the horizon (March 29), scouts can determine if Kancey possesses the tools to develop into a difference-maker in the NFL trenches.) (3-10-23):  https://www.nfl.com/news/anthony-richardson-tops-combine-standouts-to-re-examine-thoughts-on-panthers-acq

Every top-10 interior defender's highest-graded season (CALIJAH KANCEY, PITTSBURGH (Big board rank: 13/DI2, Best PFF grade: 91.8, 2022, 2022 Pass-rush grade: 92.4, 2022 Run-defense grade: 80.9)) (3-10-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-every-top-10-interior-defenders-highest-graded-season

Don’t Get Cute With Calijah Kancey’s NFL Draft Evaluation (3-8-23):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/calijah-kancey-2023-nfl-draft-evalutaion/

2023 NFL Draft: All-Defensive Scouting Combine Team (Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  Watching Kancey in his stance preparing for his forty, very few watching were expecting this 6-foot-1- and 281-pound defensive lineman to run an amazing 4.67 forty. Immediately afterward, the internet was set on fire with comparisons to another Panthers interior lineman named Aaron Donald. Their similarities are strikingly almost identical. Donald was 6-feet ¾ at 285 pounds and ran a 4.68 during his combine debut. Kancey’s stocky frame needed the boost of a fast forty. An average time would have kept him average in the minds of NFL scouts. That is not the case moving forward.  Game Notes: WVU at Pitt 2022 - Compact frame/Low to the ground/Fast pace/Quick/Like his initial get-off/Reminds me of Ejuan Price a bit.) (3-7-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-all-defensive-scouting-combine-team

Lions' 2023 Draft Crushes (Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh:  Kancey set the record for 40-time by a defensive tackle with a 4.67 mark, surpassing the time run by Aaron Donald in 2013. That type of speed is rare for a player who weighed in at 281 pounds, but he’s an athletic specimen who could be a game-changer for an NFL defense.  Detroit needs more production from its defensive line, as its defense ranked toward the bottom against the run in the first two years of Aaron Glenn’s tenure as defensive coordinator. Kancey posted 14.5 sacks in two years as a full-time starter, and could be an ideal pass-rushing defensive tackle next to run-stuffer Alim McNeill.) (3-7-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2023-draft-crushes

10 players who impressed at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine (2. DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  When a player leaves Indy and starts to get comparisons to Aaron Donald, I'd say he won the week. Kancey (6-1, 281) ran the fastest 40 (4.67) by a defensive tackle since 2003. He's got a wicked first step and is explosive. His 40 time matches the tape where he posted 14.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss the last two years. He's likely headed for the first round.) (3-7-23):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-players-who-impressed-at-2023-nfl-scouting-combine-richardson-gonzalez-kancey

Biggest winners from the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine (DL Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  Kancey generated plenty of buzz before the combine. But he further helped himself on Thursday. Even though he came in with very short arms at 30 5/8 inches, Kancey’s testing overshadowed the measurements. Kancey logged a 4.67-second 40-yard dash, the fastest time recorded by a defensive tackle since 2003. Who did he surpass? Fellow Pitt and Rams superstar Aaron Donald, who ran just 0.01 seconds slower than Kancey. With the numbers he posted and the player on tape, Kancey should be a top-50 pick.) (3-7-23):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-draft-combine-winners-anthony-richardson-jaxon-smith-njigba-julius-brents-bijan-robinson/

2023 NFL Draft: Is Calijah Kancey the next Aaron Donald? (3-7-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-nfl-is-calijah-kancey-the-next-los-angeles-rams-aaron-donald

2023 NFL Combine: Performance grades for the top 20 draft prospects (DI CALIJAH KANCEY, PITTSBURGH (PFF Big Board Rank: 13, Grade: B+):  Yes, Kancey measured in small for a defensive tackle at 6-foot-1 and 281 pounds. But we always knew he was right around there. At that size, you need to be fast, and Kancey was — historically, I may add. His 4.67-second 40-yard dash was the fastest ever recorded at the combine for an interior defensive lineman, and his 1.64-second 10-yard split placed in the 98th percentile. For this to be an “A,” he would have had to weigh in bigger while still testing very well, but he definitely turned some heads this weekend, even if it was expected.) (3-6-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-combine-grades-top-20-prospects

15 players who needed to crush the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine - and did (4.  DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  Kancey was a solid and occasionally dominant interior lineman at Pitt, racking up 14.5 sacks his last two seasons. But he’s also undersized as an NFL lineman at 6-feet and 270 pounds. Of course, we’ve seen an undersized Panther DT take the league by storm before, but there was no way Kancey could match Aaron Donald’s sublime combine from 2014, right?  The result: Yep, that’s just about what happened.  Kancey already had first round buzz before Indy. His ridiculous athleticism should make him a Day 1 staple in most mock drafts leading into April.) (3-6-23):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-combine-15-players-biggest-performances-draft-stock-anthony-richardson

8 winners (Anthony Richardson!) and losers (WR-needy teams) from the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine (The beefy defensive boys up front - Need a defensive lineman who can push the envelope? Someone you can build your franchise around with that extra first step? You’re in luck. This Combine had no shortage of potential difference-makers along the first long line of defense in a front seven.  Pittsburgh’s Calijah Kancey surpassed the great Aaron Donald on the 40-yard time. Already viewed as a bona fide defensive workhorse.  Pittsburgh's Calijah Kancey ran the fastest 40-yard dash by someone 280+ lbs since 2003.) (3-6-23):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-combine-winners-losers-anthony-richardson-bears-receivers

NFL combine winners, losers: Who helped their cause in draft? (Winners - 11. Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt:  The Aaron Donald comparisons have always been unfair to Kancey, a 6-1, 281-pound fellow Pitt product with a rapid first step. But they'll be hard to elude after a combine performance in which Kancey bested Donald's 40-yard dash mark by .01 seconds with a 4.67 time. In a class light on disruptive interior defenders, Kancey just elevated his case to crack the first round.) (3-6-23):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2023/03/06/nfl-combine-winners-losers-anthony-richardson-nolan-smith-2023/11410657002/

NFL Combine takeaways by position: Anthony Richardson's speed, Bryce Young's size & more we learned about 2023 draft (Defensive tackles: No doubt about Adetomiwa Adebawore - Adetomiwa Adebawore, Skoronski's Northwestern teammate on the other line of scrimmage, also had himself a stellar combine punctuated with a 4.49 40-yard dash. At 282 pounds, that's crazy wheels for more of an inside-outside versatile pass-rush threat. Of the more traditional tackle prospects, Pittsburgh's Calijah Kancey had the best 40 (4.67) in an overall dominant session.  With Georgia's Jalen Carter still projected to be drafted high amid off-field concerns and Clemson's Bryan Bresee a good system option later in the first round, the position needed more standout options for the next tier. Kancey and Adebawore provided just that.) (3-6-23):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-2023-takeaways-anthony-richardson-bryce-young/ptpjkejssvw6s1dt6ghwfag0

2023 NFL Scouting Combine: Stock up, stock down for every position (Stock Up: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh Panthers:  Kancey is undersized for the position at 6-foot-1 and 281 pounds with 30 5/8-inch arms. He more than makes up for it in explosiveness with a 4.67-second 40-yard dash and a 1.64-second 10-yard split, the former being the fastest time recorded by a defensive tackle.  Kancey backs up that twitch on tape, as he led all interior defensive linemen in the country this past season in pressure rate (18.1%) and paced the Power Five at the position in pass-rush win rate (22.2%). It appears Kancey will hear his name called in the top half of the first round come April.) (3-6-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-scouting-combine-stock-up-stock-down-every-position-nfl-draft

Who were the winners and losers of the 2023 NFL Combine? (Calijah Kancey and Adetomiwa Adebawore - Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi spoke to The Sporting News on March 1 and offered a brief assessment of Kancey. "He's trying to break the combine record for the fastest D-tackle 40, so there's that," Narduzzi said. "He's quick and fast, and that shouldn't be a surprise to anybody." Cue those Aaron Donald comparisons, even if they are premature. The 6-0, 280-pound Kancey made them happen when he ran a 4.67 in the 40-yard dash. Kancey would be the fourth Pitt defensive lineman to be selected in the NFL Draft in the last three seasons.) (3-5-23):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-winners-losers-2023-draft/ufchjhev3s5swxnc9uv7zlfk

Roundtable: Were Campbell's QB Comments a Smokescreen? (1. Which players at the combine impressed you this weekend? Christian Booher: I would be remiss if I didn't start with Calijah Kancey, who broke the mark for the fastest 40-yard dash by a defensive tackle. His speed and agility at his size were remarkable to see, and it was exciting to ponder the thought of a player like that potentially becoming a Detroit Lion.) (3-5-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/roundtable-examining-campbells-qb-comment

NFL Draft Combine Rumor Mill: Calijah Kancey Still on the Bubble Between Round 1 and Round 2 (3-4-23):  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Kancey-Still-on-the-Bubble-Between-Round-1-and-Round-2

Lions DC Aaron Glenn wants athletic defensive tackles, and NFL Draft has options (Pitt's Calijah Kancey (6-foot-1, 281 pounds) is an undersized interior lineman who will unfairly draw comps to fellow small-ish Panther alum and future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Donald. He ran the fastest 40 time (4.67) for any defensive tackle in Combine history, breaking the record set by Donald himself.  He named Grady Jarrett, Javon Hargrave, Quinnen Williams and Donald as players he models his game after.  "They paved the way for smaller defensive tackles and showed we could play at the next level," Kancey said. "Lots of quickness, speed, technique, block shedding and aggressiveness."  Though his reach will be an issue for some teams, he's hoping the rest of the package will offset that.  "I just know I have to play with great technique and use my speed to my advantage," he said. "It's my speed and my quickness, playing with good leverage, getting underneath the thigh pads of bigger offensive linemen — that's my advantage I have against bigger offensive linemen.") (3-3-23):  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/03/03/lions-dc-aaron-glenn-wants-athletic-defensive-tackles-and-nfl-draft-has-options/69968200007/

NFL Draft Prospects 2023: Day 3 Winners Include Nolan Smith, Adetomiwa Adebawore (Calijah Kancey, DT | Pittsburgh:  If you weren’t a fan of the Calijah Kancey-Aaron Donald comps before, I have bad news for you. They won’t stop now. Measuring in at 6’1″, 281 pounds, Kancey ran a blistering 4.67 40-yard dash with a 95th-percentile 1.64 10-yard split.  Kancey didn’t participate in any agility or explosiveness drills, which rendered his RAS incomplete. But the speed alone, at his size, is emblematic of his rare athleticism. His time beat Aaron Donald’s by one-hundredth of a second and was the fastest time by a DT on record — until…) (3-3-23):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-combine-winners-thursday-2023/

Combine Confidential: The Need For Speed (KLANCEY QUIETS NAYSAYERS - During his media session, Calijah Klancey [6005 | 281 | 0918 | 3058] acknowledged that he uses his critics as motivation. Too small, undersized, tweener, the Pittsburgh defensive end has heard it all. There wasn’t a better way he could have celebrated his birthday than conquering the combine. Standing in at just under 6-foot-1 and weighing 281 pounds, Klancey measured taller and bigger than expected. Add that to his 4.67 official forty-yard dash, which is the fastest time ever recorded for a defensive tackle known to date, it all equates to him being one of the big combine winners. That rare combination of athleticism and quickness is going to make it difficult for NFL teams to bypass on Klancey, who is clearly keeping receipts.) (3-3-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/combine-confidential-the-need-for-speed

2023 NFL Scouting Combine: Biggest winners from Thursday's workouts (DL Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  Kancey generated plenty of buzz before the combine. But he further helped himself on Thursday. Even though he came in with very short arms at 30 5/8 inches, Kancey’s testing overshadowed the measurements. Kancey logged a 4.67-second 40-yard dash, the fastest time recorded by a defensive tackle since 2003. Who did he surpass? Fellow Pitt and Rams superstar Aaron Donald, who ran just 0.01 seconds slower than Kancey. With the numbers he posted and the player on tape, Kancey should be a top-50 pick.) (3-2-23):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-scouting-combine-nfl-draft-winners-nolan-smith-calijah-kancey/

Quarterbacks take center stage at NFL combine, plus big men record blazing times in 40-yard dash (Pitt seems to have cloned Aaron Donald. The Rams star was drafted out of Pitt and the school has produced another athletic freak who's testing just as well as Donald did: Calijah Kancey. The defensive tackle ran a 4.67 40 on Thursday, which was the fastest 40 by any defensive tackle since 2003 (That's as far as records go back). Kancey also has the second-fastest 40 ever for a player who weighs 280 pounds or more. His 4.67 time was nearly identical to Donald, who ran a 4.68 in 2014 (You can check out video of Kancey's 40 here).) (3-3-23):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/quarterbacks-take-center-stage-at-nfl-combine-plus-big-men-record-blazing-times-in-40-yard-dash/

5 Takeaways from Day 1 of 2023 NFL Combine (Calijah Kancey impresses with speed, skill - Kancey has been flying somewhat under the radar after posting solid numbers at Pittsburgh. He took advantage of his chance to shine Thursday, wowing scouts with his 4.67 40-yard dash. That time ranked first among defensive tackles.  For context, the Pitt product’s 40-time was better than that of Aaron Donald, a player Kancey is often compared to given his Pittsburgh background and size. It was the fastest time posted by a defensive tackle at the event since 2003. On the heels of this performance and a 2022 campaign that saw him post seven-and-a-half sacks, he’ll be a trendy pick to rise up draft boards.) (3-3-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/day-one-takeaways-2023-combine

NFL Combine results: 7 standouts from the defensive tackle group (Calijah Kancey, 3/5T, Pittsburgh, 6-foot-1, 281, 40/10: 4.67/1.64.  The showstopper for Kancey was, of course, his 40/10-yard splits. Coming out of Pittsburgh and checking in at 6-foot-1, 281 pounds, Kancey is naturally getting the Aaron Donald comparison. And after his splits, those comparisons will surely continue.  Donald: 6-foot-0 3/4, 285, 4.69/1.63.  Kancey: 6-foot-1, 281, 4.67/1.64.  The big difference is arm length (Donald 32 5/8 vs Kancey 30 5/8) and we will have to see how many reps Kancey can do on the bench press—Donald did 35 reps.  Kancey also didn’t do any on-field drills, which could have really helped him solidify his stock.) (3-2-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/2/23622404/2023-nfl-combine-results-7-standouts-defensive-tackle-group

2023 NFL Combine Stock Report - Defensive Linemen (Up - Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh:  Calijah Kancey said he'd surprise everyone during the combine, and he did exactly that. Kancey set the 40-time record for defensive tackles with a 4.67. He also had a 10-yard split of 1.64, which was almost as ridiculous.) (3-2-23):  https://walterfootball.com/combine2023stockDL.php

Calijah Kancey's record-setting combine athleticism is all over his game tape (3-2-23):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2023/03/02/2023-nfl-draft-calijah-kancey-40-yard-dash-scouting-combine/

2023 NFL Combine Winners Day 1: Blazing-fast DTs give the Bears plenty to consider (1.  DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  The University of Pittsburgh has a tremendous track record when it comes to producing elite NFL talent despite just OK returns on the field. Past Panther standouts include Larry Fitzgerald, Darrelle Revis and Aaron Donald.  Kancey has the chops to carry on that tradition. Like Donald, he’s powerful interior defensive lineman with less-than-ideal size at 6-feet and 280 pounds. But he has the explosiveness and athleticism to win one-on-one or against double teams thanks to the speed that can propel him through gaps and into the backfield.  The 4.67 second 40 he ran his second time up wasn’t just the fastest of the day among down linemen by 0.14 seconds — it was the fastest for an interior lineman in Combine history. That means it was 0.01 second faster than Donald’s official time in the simulcast above. Kancey entered the offseason as a late-first, early-second round prospect. By showcasing his burst in Indy he may have earned himself a Day 1 guarantee.) (3-2-23):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-combine-winners-2023-day-1-bryan-bresee-calijah-kancey

281-pound Calijah Kancey's lightning-quick 40-yard dash surpassed Aaron Donald's time (3-2-23):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2023/03/calijah-kancey-40-yard-dash-aaron-donald-2023-nfl-combine

NFL combine measurements for EDGE, DL: Full list of heights, weights, 40-yard dash times for every prospect (EDGE/DL winners - Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey: Kancey is a winner because of his 40-yard dash time. CBS Sports' 40th-ranked prospect ran a blazing 4.67, which was the fastest time EVER for a defensive tackle at the combine. Based on his frame, speed, athleticism and school affiliation, Kancey has been compared to Aaron Donald, whose record Kancey actually broke.  On the flip side, Kancey's arm length is 30 5/8 inches, which is very short. In fact, there have only been eight other DL at the combine since 2011 whose arms were shorter than 31 inches, according to Underdog Fantasy. That's definitely a concern, and something teams will surely factor into his evaluation.) (3-2-23):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-combine-measurements-for-edge-dl-full-list-of-heights-weights-40-yard-dash-times-for-every-prospect/

NFL combine 2023 results, takeaways from Day 1: Stars live up to hype as EDGE, DL and LBs complete workouts (Calijah Kancey set the standard for the interior defenders with a 4.67 seconds 40-yard dash) (3-2-23):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-combine-2023-results-takeaways-from-day-1-stars-live-up-to-hype-as-edge-dl-and-lbs-complete-workouts/live/

2023 NFL Scouting Combine: Standouts from defensive line and linebacker drills (DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  Kancey showed up to the combine at 6-foot-1 and 281 pounds — up five or six pounds from his playing weight of 275. The extra weight was good, as there are no sub-280 players in the NFL who have enjoyed consistent success. But it was to be seen just how athletic Kancey would be with the added weight.  He answered those questions in record-setting fashion with a 4.67-second 40-yard dash, which was the best 40-time for an interior defensive lineman at the combine since 1999. He also had a 1.64-second 10-yard split, which was not quite historic but placed in the 98th percentile.  Kancey needed to be fast, and he absolutely was.) (3-3-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2023-nfl-scouting-combine-standouts-defensive-linemen-linebackers-drills

2023 NFL Scouting Combine stock up/stock down, Day 1: Nolan Smith displays electric athleticism (Stock up - Calijah Kancey:  Kancey was listed at 6-foot on the Pittsburgh Panthers' website, but he measured 6-1, 281 in Indianapolis. His arm length measured 30 5/8 inches. That's not typical for a defensive tackle, but it is a win. His 4.67 40 time was exactly what he needed, recording the fastest time for a defensive tackle at the event since 2003, per Next Gen Stats. It bested Aaron Donald's time of 4.68 in 2014. Kancey came up short of Donald's arm measurement (30 5/8 versus 32 5/8) and did not participate in on-field drills, but his film clearly shows his short-area quickness and ability to stand up and swim past defenders off the snap. ) (3-2-23):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-scouting-combine-stock-up-stock-down-day-1-nolan-smith-displays-electri

Calijah Kancey runs second-fastest 40 by DT at NFL Combine since 2003 (3-2-23):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/calijah-kancey-runs-nfl-combine-pittsburgh-panthers

Pitt's Calijah Kancey draws comparisons to Aaron Donald after blazing fast 40-yard dash (3-2-23):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/calijah-kancey-40-time-pitt-aaron-donald-comparisons-nfl-combine/mmkb4z9vb1bfs5okiahobsyg

2023 NFL Scouting Combine: What We Learned during Thursday's activities in Indianapolis (2.  The next Aaron Donald? It's going to be even harder for Pitt DT Calijah Kancey to avoid the Aaron Donald comparisons now.  Kancey ran an official 4.67-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, the fastest time for a defensive tackle at the event since 2003, per Next Gen Stats. Kancey topped Donald's time of 4.68, which he posted in 2014.  The surface parallels between the two players are obvious, as both attended Pitt, are undersized defensive tackles and clearly are athletic marvels for their position.  Kancey (6-foot-1, 281 pounds), whom NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah rated as his No. 30 overall prospect entering the combine, isn't the same caliber of prospect as Donald was nearly a decade ago, but Kancey certainly has helped himself with his scorching 40 time.) (3-2-23):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-scouting-combine-what-we-learned-during-thursday-s-activities-in-indian

NFL Combine: Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey (3-2-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-combine-pittsburgh-dt-calijah-kancey

NFL Combine results: 7 standouts from the defensive tackle group (Calijah Kancey, 3/5T, Pittsburgh, 6-foot-1, 281.  40/10: 4.67/1.64.  The showstopper for Kancey was, of course, his 40/10-yard splits. Coming out of Pittsburgh and checking in at 6-foot-1, 281 pounds, Kancey is naturally getting the Aaron Donald comparison. And after his splits, those comparisons will surely continue.  Donald: 6-foot-0 3/4, 285, 4.69/1.63.  Kancey: 6-foot-1, 281, 4.67/1.64.  The big difference is arm length (Donald 32 5/8 vs Kancey 30 5/8) and we will have to see how many reps Kancey can do on the bench press—Donald did 35 reps.  Kancey also didn’t do any on-field drills, which could have really helped him solidify his stock.) (3-2-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/2/23622404/2023-nfl-combine-results-7-standouts-defensive-tackle-group

TWENTYMAN: Combine Day 2 observations (Big man running fast: Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancey recorded 27.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks the last two seasons. The one knock on him is he's a little undersized at 6-foot-1, 281 pounds. Well, people weren't talking about Kancey's size much on Thursday after his 4.67-second 40 time was the fastest by a defensive tackle since 2003. Kancey is a likely first-round pick and is drawing some early comparisons to Aaron Donald when he was coming out of Pittsburgh. Donald ran a 4.68.) (3-2-23):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-combine-day-2-observations-brown-moody-kancey


Calijah Kancey runs fastest 40 ever for a defensive tackle at the Scouting Combine (3-2-23):  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/03/02/calijah-kancey-runs-fastest-40-ever-for-a-defensive-tackle-at-the-scouting-combine/

2023 NFL Draft: Predicting the NFL scouting combine's top performers (INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE: CALIJAH KANCEY, PITTSBURGH - While this may sound blasphemous to say, Kancey may even test more athletically than former Pitt defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Now, remember I said “athletically” because part of what makes Donald so special is that he’s both athletic and strong. Kancey won't touch the 35 bench reps that Donald put up, but the 4.68-second 40-yard dash, 7.11-second three-cone drill, 4.39-second short shuttle, 32-inch vertical, and 9-foot-8 broad jump are all in play. If he does, Kancey is a sure-fire first-rounder no matter his size.) (3-2-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-predicting-2023-nfl-scouting-combines-top-performers

2023 NFL Scouting Combine: Quotes, highlights from defensive linemen and linebackers at the podium (DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  Calijah Kancey is a fan favorite in this defensive tackle class for how fun his tape is. He's an extremely fast interior defensive lineman who is a menace in pass-rushing situations, earning an elite 92.5 pass-rush grade this past season. But a lot of that speed advantage comes from his being undersized. We got some clarification on just how undersized he was during the season at his podium session.  His listed 275 pounds would be in the first percentile (not good) of all defensive tackles who have come through the combine since 1999. And if he weighs in at 280 pounds, that would be just the third percentile. But outside of confirming the numbers, the big takeaway with Kancey is that he was confident in his weight, even saying “I’m looking good” afterward in a playful yet confident way. He is comfortable with both his strengths and weaknesses. He’s not just going to gain weight for the heck of it. He’ll get a little bigger, but he knows that if he makes it in the league, it will be in the same way he did in college. Confidence in that is key.) (3-1-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2023-nfl-scouting-combine-quotes-highlights-defensive-linemen-linebackers

2023 NFL combine: Jalen Carter highlights strong DL group for Lions to ponder (Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh: Don’t be surprised to see Calijah Kancey’s name climb boards coming out of the combine. Kancey will get knocked for his size -- 6-foot, 280 pounds. But, wow, his stats and tape in the pass rush are drool-inducing. Simply put, if you’re taking Kancey in Round 1, you’re expecting to get a twitchy defensive tackle that’s will get to the quarterback from the interior. It’s difficult to imagine him doing much against the run, at least in Year 1. But he brings a flavor that this team doesn’t have at that spot. Kancey posted 34.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks through three seasons at Pittsburgh. It’ll be interesting to see how much size and strength pushes Kancey down the order because there is a unique havoc-creator here.) (2-28-23):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/02/2023-nfl-combine-jalen-carter-highlights-strong-dl-group-for-lions-to-ponder.html

One 2023 NFL Draft prospect to watch at every position at the NFL scouting combine (DEFENSIVE TACKLE: CALIJAH KANCEY, PITTSBURGH - The Power Five's highest-graded pass-rushing defensive tackle last season is likely going to be the most athletic as well. You better be when you’re Kancey’s size (listed 6 feet and 280 pounds) and still want to play defensive tackle in the NFL. He pulled more disappearing acts when guards tried to get their hands on him than any other defensive tackle in the country.) (2-27-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-scouting-combine-prospects-to-watch-2023-nfl-draft

Diving into the Detroit Lions' options in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft (Calijah Kancey led all interior defenders with a 92.4 PFF pass-rush grade last season, racking up eight sacks, nine hits and 30 hurries from 275 pass-rushing snaps. ) (2-28-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-detroit-lions-options-first-round-2023-nfl-draft

VIDEO: Which under-the-radar prospects will be household names after the scouting combine? (Doug: Pitt defensive lineman Calijah Kancey, who excelled in college at 6-foot-0 and 280 pounds (unofficial). The Pitt connection and the fact that he’s undersized have people comparing him to Aaron Donald, and I’m not willing to go that far, he reminds me a ton of Grady Jarrett, which isn’t bad, either. Kancey is a defender with an assassin’s mentality, which makes me think he’s going to be really violent in the bag drills, and I think he’s quick and agile enough to ace the 40 (specifically the 10- and 20-yard splits), and all the movement exercises, as well. I don’t know if anything will push him into the first round, because some teams will have no idea what to do with him at that size, but as they say, all it takes is one team to make that a reality.) (2-26-23):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2023/02/26/2023-nfl-draft-underrated-calijah-kancey-julius-brents/

10 Defensive Linemen for Lions to Watch at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine (Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh:  Kancey has an uncanny ability to get after the passer, with seven-and-a-half sacks last season at Pittsburgh and 16 total in his three-year career. In totality, he notched 34.5 tackles for loss during that same span.  He’s another quick riser. Kancey’s skill at getting after the passer, despite being lined up on the interior, is very appealing. And, he appears to have the necessary athleticism to make a difference early in his career.) (2-26-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-combine-preview-defensive-linemen

2023 NFL Combine preview: 10 defensive tackles the Lions should be watching (Calijah Kancey, 3/5T, Pittsburgh, 6-foot-0, 280:  Challenging Bresee for the DT2 designation is Kancey, who is significantly undersized, but incredibly explosive off the ball. Kancey is plenty strong but his size will limit him as a run defender. To overcome that, Kancey disrupts in other ways, most notably by collapsing the pocket and forcing the offensive line to adapt.) (2-25-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/2/25/23613277/2023-nfl-combine-preview-10-defensive-tackles-the-lions-should-be-watching

2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Interior defensive line (2. CALIJAH KANCEY, PITTSBURGH (BIG BOARD RANK: 14):  He may have to start off as a designated pass-rusher, but he can truly excel in that role. There's little doubt he's going to impact QBs at the next level.) (2-22-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-position-rankings-interior-defensive-line

2023 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Senior Bowl (Up - Calijah Yancey, DT, Pittsburgh:  The 6-foot-1, 280-pound Kancey is an extremely fast interior defender who can fire upfield and penetrate into the pocket. Off the snap, Kancey is extremely explosive, displaying phenomenal first-step quickness. With his rare ability to rush the quarterback from the inside, Kancey is a special prospect. If he were 20 pounds heavier, he would end up as a top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but Kancey is very undersized and does not project as a three-down starter capable of holding up in the ground game. Hence, he is a bit of a luxury pick for a team late in the first or early in the second round that is selling out for a pure inside pass rusher. Kancey was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year for 2022 after racking up seven sacks and 31 tackles. In his 2021 sophomore campaign, he recorded 33 tackles, seven sacks and a forced fumble.) (2-14-23):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_23.php

NFL Draft prospects who resemble Super Bowl stars (Eagles DT Javon Hargrave --> Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey:  Hargrave was this somewhat mysterious prospect from South Carolina State who played with unhinging hips and lightning-quick explosiveness upfield. Now, being "undersized" and hailing from a small school don't get you drafted especially high, and Hargrave, despite the athleticism and major production, didn't get picked until the third round -- No. 89 overall in the 2016 draft.  Once the labels were off, Hargrave hit the ground running in Pittsburgh but was always in the background. Since signing with the Eagles, Hargrave's gotten more opportunity and, unsurprisingly, blossomed.   Kancey is likely to go higher than Hargrave did but feels strikingly similar on film. He's an electric mover on the field and works like hell to beat the consistently larger blockers at the point of attack with his punchy hand work, low center of gravity, and non-stop hustle. Those are precisely all the things Hargave has done to emerge as one of the game's best one-gap penetrators from the inside.) (2-13-23):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-super-bowl-whos-the-next-travis-kelce-the-next-chris-jones-nfl-draft-prospects-who-resemble-stars/

Is Calijah Kancey Lions' Defensive Tackle of Future? (2-1-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/is-calijah-kancey-lions-defensive-tackle-of-future

2023 NFL Draft: PFF's early favorite draft prospects (DI CALIJAH KANCEY, PITTSBURGH (Key Number: 104 pressures the past two seasons (most among Power Five defensive tackles)):  Kancey is 6 feet and 280 pounds. That's a unique build for any position in the NFL. That being said, he’s the kind of athlete that can get by with that size, and he ran a reported sub-4.7-second 40-yard dash last spring. The numbers are so high on Kancey because he knows how to rush the passer. Even as an undersized redshirt freshman in 2020, he was still a problem with a 79.7 pass-rushing grade. Two years later, he earned the highest pass-rushing grade among interior defenders in 2022. His athleticism and pass-rushing moves can still make an impact in the NFL despite his size.) (1-5-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-favorite-early-prospects

2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 defensive tackle prospects (4. CALIJAH KANCEY, PITTSBURGH (RS JUNIOR | 6-0, 280) (2022 Grade: 91.8, Play Style: Twitchy 3-Tech/Edge Tweener, Initial Round Projection: Early Day 2):  Kancey will likely end up the prospect I’m higher on than most. What’s going to scare off most others is obvious. Currently, only six defensive tackles are listed at 6-foot or shorter in the NFL, and there are 16 defensive tackles listed at 280 pounds or lighter but precisely zero NFL defensive tackles who are both. Kancey will be an outlier no matter what position he plays at that size. Watch him move so effortlessly on a football field, though, and it’s easy to see him breaking the mold, whether on the interior or off the edge.  Kancey just knows how to get to quarterbacks. You see him stack moves together and counter what offensive linemen are doing so effortlessly on tape. It’s why he led all defensive tackles in college football with a 92.4 pass-rushing grade. He won’t fit into every scheme, but the ones he does will love him.) (12-29-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-top-10-defensive-tackle-rankings

Top 10 DTs in the 2023 NFL Draft: Jalen Carter Stands Tall on the Interior (4. Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  Calijah Kancey is 6’0″ and 275 pounds. Compared to most players on this list, he looks like an edge rusher. Size outliers like Kancey need to be elite in several other areas to potentially counteract their size concerns and win over NFL scouts. Luckily for Kancey, he is.  Kancey is a walking mismatch inside with his elite first step, hyperactive twitch, ankle flexion, and violent hand usage. While his frame is undersized, he has excellent proportional length and surprising strength — all of which allows him to be a constant disruptor from multiple alignments.) (12-21-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-defensive-tackles-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-include-bryan-bresee-and-jalen-carter/

2023 NFL Draft: Reacting to the AP All-American First Team Selections (Day Two and Later Picks:  All five remaining defensive players are also almost certain to be drafted. Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancey is one of the most underrated players in the 2023 NFL Draft class. He is undersized, but he projects as a highly disruptive pass rusher who is quicker than most interior NFL offensive linemen. Kancey might go as high as the second round if he can showcase—at the Scouting Combine—the stellar athleticism he’s flashed on tape.) (12-18-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-reacting-to-the-ap-all-american-first-team-selections

Pitt DL Calijah Kancey Earns Consensus All-American Status (12-12-22):   https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitt-panthers-calijah-kancey-earns-consensus-all-american-status

CFN’s College Football All-Americans 2022 (Interior Defensive Lineman of the Year - Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh.  First-Team Defense - DT: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh) (12-6-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfn-college-football-all-americans-2022/

2022 All-ACC College Football Team and Individual Honors (2022 All-ACC Football Team Honors - Defensive Player of the Year:  Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh.  ACC Defense Honors - Defensive Lineman of the Year: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh.  First-Team All-ACC Defense - DT: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh) (12-6-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/all-acc-college-football-team-and-individual-honors-2022/

NFL Draft News and Rumors: Update on Broderick Jones, Calijah Kancey, and Others (Calijah Kancey:  Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancey announced earlier that he was bypassing the team’s bowl game as he recovers from injury. While he did not announce that he was entering the draft, people close to the situation tell me that Kancey is about 50-50 right now as to where he’ll be playing next season.  While I have a day three grade on Kancey, scouts I’ve spoken with believe he could end up in the second round and feel his draft stock will never be higher than it is now.) (12-3-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-news-and-rumors-update-on-broderick-jones-calijah-kancey-and-others/

Pitt DT Calijah Kancey to Miss Bowl Game with Shoulder Injury (12-2-22):  https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitt-panthers-calijah-kancey-miss-bowl-game-shoulder-injury

2022 PFF College All-ACC Team: North Carolina QB Drake Maye, Pitt DI Calijah Kancey and more (FIRST TEAM - DI Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh) (11-30-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2022-pff-all-acc-team-north-carolina-drake-maye-pittsburgh-calijah-kancey-2022

2022 PFF College All-America Team: USC QB Caleb Williams, Texas RB Bijan Robinson and more (FIRST TEAM - DI Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh) (11-29-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2022-pff-all-america-team-caleb-williams-bijan-robinson

Pitt DT Calijah Kancey Heads to Locker Room With Shoulder Injury (11-18-22):  https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitt-panthers-calijah-kancey-heads-locker-room-shoulder-injury

Week 11 College Football Team of the Week: Jordan Travis Nearly Perfect, Marvin Harrison Jr. Flashes Brilliance (Defensive Interior: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  A man on a mission, Calijah Kancey ripped through the Virginia offensive line to the tune of three sacks on Saturday. Pittsburgh dominated from the opening whistle on the defensive side of the ball as the Panthers’ defensive line disrupted UVA all day long.  Kancey’s most impressive rep was on a double-reverse flea flicker attempt that did not fool the big man in the middle. He squeezed through a small gap in the offensive line with his quick first step and then powered his way through to QB Brennan Armstrong with strength.  It was a dominant day in the middle for Kancey, just as it was a dominant day for Pitt overall.) (11-13-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-team-of-the-week-week-11-2022/

Pittsburgh’s Calijah Kancey continuing the program's elite pass-rushing DT lineage (11-4-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-pittsburgh-calijah-kancey-continuing-elite-pass-rushing-lineage

College Football Week 9 Live Reactions, Results, and Takeaways (Panthers DT Headed to the Next Level?
7:55 p.m. — Pittsburgh and North Carolina kick off in what is a must-win game for the Panthers. Earlier this week, during the mailbag, I mentioned Pitt defensive tackle Calijah Kancey as a prospect few are talking about.  As I reported, Kancey is being called a “poor man’s Aaron Donald” by scouts who cover the area. What I didn’t mention in the mailbag is I’m told Kancey is getting Day 2 grades from scouts and is leaning towards entering the draft. If Kancey does get a second-round grade from the advisory committee, I would be shocked if he returns to Pitt in 2023. TP) (10-29-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-9-live-reactions-results-and-takeaways/

Top 2023 NFL Draft Prospects: Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud Heads a Talented Class (27. Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh:  It’s dangerous to make comparisons where the Pitt football program is concerned. However, Calijah Kancey can potentially be the most disruptive Pitt DL prospect since Aaron Donald.  Kancey combines incredible functional athleticism with impressive technical refinement to wreck games as a pass rusher and run stopper. The NFL might consider him undersized to play on the interior at 6’0″ and 275 pounds. Yet, he routinely turns his weakness into a strength by playing with a low pad level to dominate.) (10-27-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospects/

NFL Draft News and Rumors Mailbag: Ohio State C Luke Wypler’s Draft Status and a Cam Ward Update (Q: Any draft sleepers that aren’t getting enough national love?  Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancey is getting a lot of love in some areas of the scouting community. He’s short but explosive, and he’s been described to me as a “poor man’s Aaron Donald” who could go in the top 60 if he enters the draft.) (10-26-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-news-and-rumors-mailbag-week-9-2022/

2023 NFL Draft Prospects Watch Week 8: Matthew Bergeron and Myles Murphy Square Off (Pitt DL Calijah Kancey vs. Louisville OL Trevor Reid, Caleb Chandler - Calijah Kancey‘s size has been an issue at times this season, but the Pitt defensive lineman remains an exciting 2023 NFL Draft prospect. The 6’0″, 275-pound defender has three sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss to this point. With his proportional length, explosiveness, twitch, and flexibility, he’s an alignment-versatile rusher who can pressure blockers from a number of spots.  Against the athletic Trevor Reid and the sound, if unspectacular Caleb Chandler, Kancey will have a chance to boost his production against quality talent. Counteracting his leaner frame, especially on the interior, remains an area of exploration.) (10-21-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-cfb-week-8-2022/

2023 NFL Draft: Midseason College Football All-Prospect Team (DT: CALIJAH KANCEY, PITTSBURGH, DT: KOBIE TURNER, WAKE FOREST - Two undersized yet active defensive tackles. Kancey is hands down the quickest defensive tackle in the country, while Turner may very well be the most violent.  Kancey's 91.5 pass-rush grade leads the position, as he’s already racked up 25 pressures on the season. Turner isn’t too far behind with a 90.1 pass-rushing grade, and he’s earned the highest overall grade of any defensive tackle this season (91.9).  Both will get knocked for their size: Kancey is listed at 6-foot, 280 pounds, and Turner is 6-foot-3, 290 pounds. Still, both should be in the second-round mix.) (10-13-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-scouting-notebook-midseason-college-football-all-prospect-team

Pitt DT Calijah Kancey Learning to Face Double Teams, Make Sacrifices (10-6-22):  https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitt-panthers-calijah-kancey-learning-face-double-teams-make-sacrifices

College Football Week 5: PFF Team of the Week & Player Awards (PFF TEAM OF THE WEEK - DI: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh Panthers) (10-3-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-5-pff-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2022

2023 NFL Draft Prospects Rising After Week 2 (Calijah Kancey, DL, Pitt:  Kancey will battle size concerns throughout the evaluation process as an undersized defensive lineman, but there can be no question about his positional versatility and how he gets the most out of his body. In 30 pure pass-rush snaps against Tennessee, he had a sack, a hit and three hurries and also registered two tackles for loss. He’s been a productive player since he was a freshman in Pat Narduzzi’s defense.) (9-14-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/09/13/nfl-draft-prospects-risers-college-football

College Football Week 2 Preview: Storylines, matchups and predictions for the biggest games (Conversely, Pittsburgh’s defensive strength is its line, which was PFF’s sixth-best entering the season. Calijah Kancey is the team's best defensive lineman since Aaron Donald. Since 2020, he owns the best overall grade, second-best pass-rush grade and fourth-best run-defense grade among Power Five interior defensive linemen.) (9-9-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-2-preview-storylines-matchups-predictions-2022

Top 2023 NFL Draft Prospects To Watch In Week 1 Include Kayshon Boutte, Paris Johnson Jr. (Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh:  Week 1 kicks off in explosive style on Thursday night with “The Backyard Brawl,” the heated yet somehow under-the-radar rivalry between Pittsburgh and West Virginia. There’ll be no more explosive player on the field than Pitt defensive tackle Calijah Kancey.  The 6-foot, 275-pound redshirt junior has one of the best get-offs amongst 2023 NFL Draft prospects, with a lightning-quick first step that sees him barrel into the backfield at will.  However, Kancey isn’t just a live wire off the snap. He sports a scouting report that is brimming with high-level athletic attributes and technical refinement. Furiously fast feet and ludicrous lateral agility allow him to effortlessly propel himself from gap to gap. Meanwhile, he already possesses a loaded pass rush toolbox, including a devastating swim move that he routinely executes to perfection.  While his size will cause some concern at the NFL level, Kancey is comfortably the most exciting player to watch in a Pitt defense that is absolutely stacked with 2023 NFL Draft prospects.  Some other names to be aware of when watching their Week 1 tussle with Tennessee include SirVocea Dennis, Habakkuk Baldonado, and Deslin Alexandre. However, both teams in this matchup have exciting 2023 NFL Draft prospects to watch, making this a must-view contest for draftniks and college football fans alike.) (9-1-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-week-1-include-kayshon-boutte-paris-johnson-jr/

2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 players at every position (Interior defensive linemen - 3. Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh) (8-26-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-ranking-the-top-10-players-at-every-position/

PFN Preseason All-ACC Team 2022: A.T. Perry, Josh Downs, and Dontayvion Wicks headline star-studded offense (Defense | First team - DT: Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh) (8-9-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/pfn-preseason-all-acc-team-2022/

Top 10 returning players to the ACC dominated by QBs including Devin Leary and Malik Cunningham (8. Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh:  Wreaking havoc in the middle once again, Calijah Kancey returns to Pitt after two years of success and a breakout performance a season ago. Kancey is unstoppable on the interior with his rare blend of shear power for his size and ability to out-leverage any lineman in front of him.  At just 6’0″ and a shade under 280 pounds, Kancey isn’t the biggest interior defender, but he is one of the fastest in the country. He’ll get upfield before guards can even set their feet, and he owns a wealth of pass-rush moves.) (July 30, 2022):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-returning-players-to-the-acc-are-dominated-by-qbs-including-devin-leary-and-malik-cunningham/

Top 25 ACC 2023 NFL Draft prospects: Clemson's Myles Murphy, Bryan Bresee come out on top (20. DI CALIJAH KANCEY, PITTSBURGH (RS JUNIOR):  Kancey is inarguably one of the most impactful defensive tackles in college football. The question is whether that production at 6-foot and 275 pounds will translate to the NFL. While he’ll obviously draw comparisons to Aaron Donald at that size, Kancey isn’t that caliber an athlete. No one is. It’s why there’s not a strong track record of defensive tackles that size outside of Donald. Kancey will have to add some weight to his frame to move up draft boards.) (7-29-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-25-acc-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-clemson-myles-murphy-bryan-bresee

Top 10 returning players at Pittsburgh headlined by DT Calijah Kancey (1. Calijah Kancey, DT: Pressuring quarterbacks up the middle grows in importance for a defense when you can rely on a player like Calijah Kancey. He led the team in tackles for loss last season and dominated when rushing the passer for the second straight year. Kancey now has two remarkably efficient seasons against both the run and the pass. 2022 is looking like it could be his very best and ultimately his last as Kancey could challenge for one of the top interior linemen selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.) (July 28, 2022):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-returning-pittsburgh-football-players-2022/

Top Pittsburgh Prospects to Watch for 2023 NFL Draft (DT Calijah Kancey:  If there is the next Aaron Donald in college football, it is Kancey. He is undersized, but his quickness, athleticism and advanced pass rush moves make him an elite college player. He might be too small, but all of his tools will translate to the next level. Kancey is one of the most unique prospects in recent memory, who will be very polarizing when he declares for the draft.) (7-12-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft/top-pittsburgh-prospects-to-watch-for-2023-nfl-draft

Pittsburgh’s 2023 NFL Draft prospects include Kedon Slovis and Calijah Kancey (Calijah Kancey, DT:  The Pittsburgh mold for an interior defensive lineman doesn’t include your prototypical size parameters. Calijah Kancey fits their mold but may not fit into the NFL mold for an interior lineman as he stands 6’0″ and 275 pounds. Yet, he rarely gets backed up, and he uses his incredibly quick first step to beat linemen virtually at the snap of the ball. Kancey is dominant against slower guards and centers, while he also understands how to best use his leverage to beat those that can match his speed.) (May 26, 2022):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-pittsburgh-prospects/

Top Michigan Prospects to Watch in 2022 (Mazi Smith DT:   Flashes of excellence are littered throughout Smith’s film. He has a very quick first step and moves really well for his size. Smith uses violent hands and a high football IQ to consistently win his matchups. Smith also had very good play strength and he was able to stack shed interior offensive linemen with ease. If he increases his sack total, Smith will be one of the higher-rated defensive tackle prospects in the 2023 class.) (5-20-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft/top-michigan-prospects-to-watch-in-2022

2023 NFL Draft Watch List: Defense (Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh:  Kancey's listed size of 6-foot and 275 pounds isn't going to earn him many NFL fans. On a college football field, though, he has been nothing short of a problem. He racked up 38 pressures and recorded an 83.7 overall grade last season as a redshirt sophomore.) (5-9-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-watch-list-defense

PFN’s Top 100 College Football Players of 2022 (30. Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh:  Big men shouldn’t be able to move as quickly as Calijah Kancey does. At 6’0″, 280 pounds, Kancey uses his “smaller” frame on the inside incredibly well because of his speed, quick first step, and understanding of leverage. He’ll work inside to beat slower interior linemen off the ball or upend them with his lower-body strength. Kancey also has a high motor and great length on the interior. He upsets rushing lanes at the point of attack in the ground game, and he gets after the quarterback with ease.) (4-22-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-100-college-football-players-2022/


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