Calijah Kancey Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Pitt Athletics)

School: Pittsburgh (Junior)

Position: IDL

HT: 6’0

WT: 275 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #73

Calijah Kancey has been one of the biggest risers in terms of draft stock over the past year. He has had a consistently productive career at Pittsburgh and has been able to put it together in all areas of the game. Kancey was originally a 3-star  recruit out of Miami, Florida. He was not heavily recruited out of high school and his only Power 5 offer was from Pittsburgh. Kancey was named First Team All-ACC in both 2021 and 2022. Adding to the awards, Kancey was named ACC 2022 Defensive Player of the Year.

As for his on-the-field play, Kancey immediately pops on tape with his physical and violent nature. He has violent and active hands at the point of attack, not allowing the opposing offensive linemen to get comfortable. Calijah Kancey provides versatility along the line that Pittsburgh has utilized to line him up anywhere from 1-tech to the edge. While he is not as big as the average interior defensive lineman, his physical and aggressive style of play serves him well at the line where he can use leverage and speed to beat slower-footed opponents. Kancey plays through the whistle on every snap with an impressively high motor, working for everything he gets on the football field. Due to his slighter frame, Kancey provides flexibility on the interior of the defensive line. He uses flexibility and bend to beat guards and get to the backfield. He has speed on the line which is rare for the position. At the NFL Combine, Kancey impressed as he ran a 4.61 40-yard dash. That straight-line speed is apparent in his game as he can chase down the quarterback through the whistle.

When looking at the ways that Kancey is criticized, it starts with his size. While his lack of size offers him better movement skills, it also leads to him frequently getting out-muscled at the point of attack. With his lack of size, comes a lack of length. Longer offensive tackles can keep Kancey at an arm's distance due to the length advantage. When knocked to the interior, Kancey is more effective, but his length deficiency is still apparent. With all linemen at the pro level having greater length, it is hard to see Kancey being able to have consistent reps on the edge, he will simply get outworked.

Kalijah Cancey has had a productive collegiate career that has resulted in numerous awards and honors. While his game’s translation to the next level is a bit murky to see as of right now, he can earn himself a rotational role on the interior right away. He will provide a different dynamic in the trenches that are not easily replicated. He may be able to sneak into the first round, but if he slips to Day 2 then he will be seen by most as a value pick.

Scheme Fit: Gap Penetration

Ideal Role: Even Front 3-tech

Best Team Fits: KC, LAC, SEA

Player Comparison: Dre’mont Jones

Player Grade: 75.7