Inside The Panthers

Pitt DT Calijah Kancey Goes to Eagles in New Mock Draft

The Pitt Panthers' stud defensive tackle has been mocked in the first round again.

Stephen Thompson

Pitt DT Calijah Kancey Goes to Eagles in New Mock Draft
Pitt DT Calijah Kancey Goes to Eagles in New Mock Draft /
In this story:

PITTSBURGH -- Pitt Panthers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey was one of the biggest stories of the NFL Combine earlier this month when he stunned scouts by recording the fastest 40-yard dash time ever run by a player heavier than 280 pounds at the event, narrowly edging out his idol Aaron Donald. 

As a result, Kancey has flown up draft boards ahead of his own Pro Day at Pitt next week and the 2023 NFL Draft next month. In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper predicts Kancey will be selected in the first round by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 30th overall pick. 

"I still see Kancey as the ideal choice here, slotting in next to 2022 first-rounder Jordan Davis for years to come and solidifying the Philadelphia defensive line," Kiper wrote. "General manager Howie Roseman and the Eagles, who have two first-rounders thanks to a deal with New Orleans last year, believe in investing heavily in the defensive line, so this is a pick to continue the trend."

Kiper praised Kancey's showing at the Combine, but claims the undersized and explosive interior lineman won't be a good fit for every team out there. Still, the Eagles' scheme makes Philadelphia a good fit. 

"Kancey had an elite workout at the combine, though he's not going to be perfect for every team," Kiper added. "At 6-foot-1, 281 pounds, he needs to go to a team that plays a 4-3 and allows him to penetrate past interior linemen and create chaos at the snap."

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Panthers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage and so much more!

Report: Assistant Coach Tim O'Toole Considering HC Jobs

Jason Capel Shares Heartfelt Message About Pitt Basketball Team

Candy Ladies Fueled Pitt DT Calijah Kancey's Position Switch

Pitt Lands Commitment from 2024 TE Eric Ingwerson

Pitt Announces Full List of Pro Day Participants

Three Transfer Portal Targets for Pitt

Published
Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper.  He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press.  During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general.  You can reach Stephen by email at stephenethompson00@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter. Read his latest work:

Home/Football