Tag: Calijah Kancey

The Athletic’s latest NFL mock draft brings the Saints a mold-breaking defensive tackle

The Athletic’s latest NFL mock draft brings the Saints a mold-breaking defensive tackle in Pitt Panthers standout Calijah Kancey:

How many mock draft writers does it take to figure out what the New Orleans Saints are going to do in April’s 2023 NFL draft? The Athletic’s Diante Lee and Nate Tice collaborated on a first-round mock draft, which brought an unconventional (if wise) pick to the Saints in Pitt Panthers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey. Tice wrote of the match:

The Saints could go in several directions with this pick. But with several interior defensive linemen leaving in free agency, they need reinforcements. Enter the undersized but disruptive Kancey. Kancey is a different type of player than what the Saints have trotted out up front in recent years, but his gap-shooting style will fit perfectly in Dennis Allen’s preferred four-down fronts.

Kancey is a heck of player — he bagged 34.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks for Pitt, with Pro Football Focus charting crediting him with 111 pressures over three years and 33 games. He’s very disruptive up front and beats opponents with a lightning-fast first step much like Sheldon Rankins once did in New Orleans.

But he’s undersized by the Saints’ strict standards at 6-foot-1 and just 281 pounds, with 30.625-inch arms. Here’s how that compares to some other Saints defensive tackles (past and present) coming out of college:

  • Khalen Saunders: 6-foot-0, 324 pounds, 32.25-inch arms
  • Nathan Shepherd: 6-foot-3, 315 pounds, 32.375-inch arms
  • Albert Huggins: 6-foot-2, 305 pounds, 33.5-inch arms
  • David Onyemata: 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, 33.25-inch arms
  • Malcolm Roach: 6-foot-2, 297 pounds, 31.875-inch arms
  • Prince Emili: 6-foot-0, 295 pounds, 32.625-inch arms
  • Shy Tuttle: 6-foot-2, 290 pounds, 33.375-inch arms
  • Kentavius Street: 6-foot-2, 280 pounds, 32.875-inch arms

That’s an average size of 6-foot-1.75 and 300.75 pounds, with arms of 32.75 inches — none of which are standards Kancey makes. The Saints have shown us that they’ll make exceptions for players in the right situation, as with Street, but he played on a veteran’s minimum salary last year. Committing a first round draft pick to Kancey might not be a risk that Dennis Allen is willing to take.

The Saints head coach has spoken often about a desire to want to “play a big man’s game” in the trenches by emphasizing size and length, which aren’t qualities Kancey brings to the table. He might reach the threshold for height or weight, but his comparatively-short arms could be a deal-breaker when taken with those other physical shortcomings.

But, hey: he’s a special talent with rare athletic gifts, able to knife past blockers before they can react and chase down runners in the open field. Maybe Kancey shows the Saints enough in the weeks ahead to convince Allen to make a mold-breaking selection in the first round while addressing his team’s top draft need. Stranger things have happened, right?

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Vikings select rising ACC defensive tackle in recent NFL.com mock draft

The latest mock draft from Eric Edholm has the Vikings taking DT Calijah Kancey.

Although the Minnesota Vikings signed edge rusher Marcus Davenport during free agency, many still believe that the Vikings could pursue additional help along their defensive line.

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores is known to rotate defensive linemen in particular situations, which means having more options is beneficial to the overall health of the defense. The Vikings may draft another defensive lineman in the first round of the NFL Draft, especially if the value was there.

In Eric Edholm’s recent mock draft for NFL.com, the Vikings selected Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancey in the first round, giving the Vikings an additional pass rusher.

The Vikings are badly in need of interior pressure, and Kancey can provide that. Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if Will Levis lands here should he still be available.

Kancey is an intriguing NFL Draft prospect, especially with his undersized frame. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Kancey measured in at 6-foot-1 and 281 pounds, which makes him a tweener in the NFL. His frame is cause for concern, though, because it will limit his overall fit at the next level because he’ll likely get out strengthed by most interior offensive linemen.

In the case of the Vikings, it’s hard to see an immediate fit for Kancey. Flores has historically operated in odd fronts, meaning the Vikings will likely see three defensive linemen on most plays. Davenport will likely see some snaps as a down lineman, and the Vikings also signed defensive end Dean Lowry in free agency. With Kancey’s weight, it’s impossible to expect him to play as a 0-tech, which means he’ll have to play as an outside defensive lineman.

As for the Will Levis mention from Edholm, it’s certainly something to keep an eye on. The Vikings have not committed their future to Kirk Cousins, which opens the door for a long-term option at quarterback.

Lions 2023 NFL draft prospect: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh

A scouting look at Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey and how he might appeal to the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL draft

Today’s prospect is another player often projected to the Lions with the No. 18 overall pick.

Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh

Height: 6-foot-1

Weight: 281 pounds (measured at Combine)

Kancey just turned 22 years old

Kancey is often compared to another undersized D from the Panthers program, Aaron Donald. It’s unfortunate for Kancey, who is a different style of player from the future Hall of Famer for the Rams. The 3-star recruit from Miami made an impact in his final two seasons at Pittsburgh, racking up 14 sacks (seven each year) and 27 TFLs in 25 games. Kancey made waves at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.67 time in the 40-yard dash and by measuring a little taller and heavier than expected.

Pros

  • Great first step as an interior rusher and consistent burst off the snap
  • Experience playing all interior DL positions and has dabbled as a stand-up EDGE
  • Relentless hand usage and above-average quickness with his movements
  • Top-end speed in open space is rare for an interior player; can chase down plays that others cannot
  • Movement skills of an off-ball LB with excellent body control and balance for his weight
  • Above-average closing burst in the backfield to finish plays
  • Can quickly get into the pads of taller blockers and leverage off them to make plays
  • Shows a variety of moves including a spin in either direction and an up-and-under move that eats slow-footed interior linemen alive
  • Motor runs hot every snap

Cons

  • Abnormally short arms to go with his unusual lack of weight and lower-body strength
  • Consistently moved by single blocking in the run game
  • Will drop his head as a rusher and lose sight of the QB/target (see Tennessee ’22 and Wake Forest ’21)
  • Poor sense of being allowed to get too far upfield; frequently runs himself out of screens, draws and containment lanes
  • His (impressive) upper-body strength comes in an initial burst that he struggles to sustain
  • Very difficult to play behind for linebackers between the tackles
  • Didn’t show he could win with quickness when attacking from the outside

Overall

Kancey is a unique player as a dramatically undersized interior rusher whose game is based almost entirely on speed. Unlike Aaron Donald or Geno Atkins or Grady Jarrett, Kancey doesn’t have the stocky strength to balance the freakish speed with adequate power to his game. That makes him a very difficult player to project beyond being a situational pass rusher; he’s far too often a liability in run defense and that won’t improve at the NFL level against better blocking and running schemes. Kancey also isn’t as aware or positionally responsible as any of the aforementioned similar body types.

But man, that speed and quickness. Kancey will be a problem for interior linemen with poor feet or balance issues. His ability to close ground and finish plays behind the line is very strong. Used creatively, Kancey could be a consistent 4-6.5 sack contributor even as a part-time player when balanced with a legit outside threat like Detroit has in Aidan Hutchinson.

The limitations to his game are enough that Kancey would be a pretty substantial reach at No. 18. He’d be a worthwhile gamble with one of Detroit’s two second-round picks.

Jets add speed on defensive interior in Charles Davis’ first mock draft

Jets add speed on defensive interior in Charles Davis’ first mock draft

In his first mock draft of the season, NFL Network draft analyst Charles Davis sends an intriguing name to the Jets with the 13th overall pick. That would be Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancey.

Kancey made huge waves at the Scouting Combine with a 4.67 40-yard dash, which was 0.01 seconds faster than fellow Pitt alum Aaron Donald…who just so happened to also be selected at No. 13 in the draft.

“A team that is strong on defense gets stronger. The comparisons to all-world DT Aaron Donald (size, style, school) continue, with Kancey being selected in the exact same spot as Donald, nine years later. I know the Jets already have Quinnen Williams inside, but Robert Saleh has always valued depth for his D-line rotation.”

Depth at the position is going to be key now for the Jets after losing Sheldon Rankins (Houston) and Nathan Shepherd (New Orleans) in free agency. They did re-sign Solomon Thomas, but they could still use a presence next to Williams up front. Kancey would be a very fast presence next to Williams up front.

Eagles reload in the trenches in Mel Kiper’s post free agency mock draft

The Philadelphia Eagles land the best offensive tackle and an elite defensive tackle in Mel Kiper’s latest post-free-agency NFL mock draft

The 2023 NFL draft is fast approaching, and with the Top 30 visits underway, all 32 teams are doing their due diligence on potential prospects.

Thanks to some draft night wizardry from Howie Roseman, the Eagles traded the No. 16 overall pick, No. 19 overall pick, and a 2022 sixth-round pick to the New Orleans Saints for the No. 18 overall pick, a 2022 third-round pick, a 2022 seventh-round pick, a 2023 first-round pick, and a 2024 second-round pick.

We tracked Philadelphai’s picks via Tankathon, and after New Orleans went 7-10, Philadelphia locked down a top-ten selection.

ESPN’s legendary draft guru, Mel Kiper, Just released his third mock draft of 2023, and he has the Eagles reloading in the trenches with their two first-round picks.

Full 7-round Eagles 2023 mock draft: First wave of free agency edition

The Philadelphia Eagles reload in the trenches with dynamic talent in the latest Eagles Wire seven-round NFL mock draft after the first wave of free agency

The 2023 NFL offseason is officially off and running, with several big moves being made before the beginning of a new league year on March 15.

With eyes looking towards the start of off-season workouts, Philadelphia is among a few teams with multiple first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Howie Roseman retained Fletcher Cox (DT), Darius Slay (CB), James Bradberry (CB), and Boston Scott (RB).

The Eagles added Rashaad Penny (RB),  Greedy Williams (CB), and Marcus Mariota (QB), potentially altering initial draft plans.

April’s draft will be used to help offset the loss of seven key starters or contributors that are joining other organizations, such as T.J. Edwards (Bears), Javon Hargrave (49ers), Andre Dillard (Titans), Miles Sanders (Panthers), Kyzir White (Cardinals), Gardner Minshew (Colts), and Marcus Epps (Raiders) who have all agreed to deals and will depart.

Using a PFF mock draft simulator, we again avoided making trades, choosing the best available player with all six picks.

Mock Draft Roundup 5.0: Who analysts are sending to Chargers

The Chargers had 12 different prospects at seven different positions mocked to them by 22 different analysts.

With the NFL Combine in the rearview mirror, many teams’ mock drafts begin to converge on two or three players.

Not so for the Chargers, who had twelve different prospects at seven different positions mocked to them by 22 different analysts over the past week.

We’ll rank the prospects based on how common of a projection they were this week, along with some short analysis about how likely of a pick they are for LA.

Seahawks 2023 NFL mock draft roundup: 10 options at No. 20 overall

Here are 10 interesting options from mock drafts around the web.

By now you have probably seen every big name the Seattle Seahawks can possibly select mocked with their No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft – from Jalen Carter to Tyree Wilson to Will Anderson Jr. to all of the top-ranked quarterbacks in this class.

While having a top-five pick is undeniably exciting, there’s been much less conversation about what the Seahawks will do when they are on the clock again later on in Round 1. Let’s see who NFL draft analysts are currently mocking to Seattle with that No. 20 overall pick. Here are 10 interesting options from mock drafts around the web.

Disruptive defensive lineman mocked to Vikings by CBS Sports

An undersized, but talented defensive lineman makes for an interesting choice in the first round

The Minnesota Vikings have plenty of needs on their roster this offseason, and the defensive line is one position not getting much attention.

On Friday, Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports released his latest mock draft and had the Vikings selecting Pittsburgh defensive lineman Calijah Kancey.

It’s so unfair to compare anybody to Aaron Donald, but Kancey is a disruptive, undersized interior defensive lineman who played at Pitt. The difference is I never doubted Aaron Donald’s ability to hold up against the run, and I have some concerns about Kancey’s ability to do so. That said, he’s lightning-quick off the ball and can blow plays up before they’ve begun. There aren’t many interior guys like him.- Fornelli

While it’s still to be determined if the Vikings are bringing back Dalvin Tomlinson, a move for Kancey could make a lot of sense. He’s a very physical defensive lineman with a relentless motor and a knack for sifting through traffic and making a play.

There is an upside for him to be a better interior pass rusher, but should the Vikings select Kancey, they would be getting a stable cog on the defensive line with immense potential.

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5 pressure DTs for Cowboys to consider in 2023 draft

The Cowboys seem to love the progress of Odighizuwa, but that doesn’t mean that pass-rushing DTs are off the menu come draft time. @TimLettiero looks at the best of the 2023 bunch.

The Cowboys’ were lucky enough to see serious development in last season’s Most Improved Player, Osa Odighizuwa. However, there is a severe lack of a versatile presence next to him as the coaching staff have shown they are not keen on Neville Gallimore. Dallas plays a hybrid system that use both even and odd fronts, seeing players like Odighizuwa, and previously Gallimore, used in multiple spots. Along the interior, the 3-and-5-technique positions are some of the most vital.

3-techs line up on the outside shoulder of a guard while 5-techs line up on the outside shoulder of the tackle; sharing responsibilities of getting to the QB while also providing two-gap ability versus the run. Since they play further away from the ball, a good first step while still having solid play strength is required.

Although currently out of favor, Gallimore remains on roster and the likes of Demarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston have the ability to kick inside from their edge positions. However, Dallas needs some bodies to supplement the improved play of Odighizuwa. Here are five targets to help bolster the Cowboys iDL.