Saints 2023 Draft Prospect: Calijah Kancey

A closer look at first-round NFL Draft prospect Calijah Kancey out of Pitt and his potential fit with New Orleans.

New Orleans Saints defensive tackles have been a growing weakness for the team the last two years. The position combined for just 14.5 of the defense's 95 sacks in 2021 and 2022. New Orleans ranked a lowly 24th against the run last season, with much of those struggles because of an ineffective defensive interior. 

The Saints lost DTs David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle on the first day of free agency. They quickly countered by signing tackles Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders within 24 hours, then re-signed Malcolm Roach last week. 

Look for New Orleans to add to their interior rotation. Most likely with an early round draft choice at what scouts consider one of the deepest positions in this year’s draft. Here's one prospect that has skyrocketed up the boards since the last half of the college season. 

DT - Calijah Kancey, Pitt

6'1" 281-Lbs. (Jr.)

Pitt Panthers defensive lineman Calijah Kancey (8) sacks Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (9). Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY

A redshirt junior from Miami, Fl., Kancey showed massive improvement each season with the Panthers. He finished his three-year collegiate career with 16 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss. 

After 3rd Team All-American and 1st Team All-ACC honors in 2021, Kancey took his production to the next level. His 2022 campaign of 7.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss not only earned him 1st Team All-ACC and All-American accolades, but won him the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a finalist for the Outland and Nagurski Trophies.

NFL.com Comparison (Lance Zierlein)

John Randle

Like Randle, a Hall of Famer, Kancey is undersized and isn't a space-eater inside, but is a one-gap penetrator that's an explosive nightmare. Kancey has also drawn comparisons to another former Pitt alum, Rams DT Aaron Donald, the 13th overall choice in the 2014 NFL Draft. Donald, one of the NFL's top defenders, has 103 sacks and 237 QB hits over his nine-year career. 

Western Michigan Broncos quarterback Jack Salopek (6) tries to escape Pitt Panthers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (8). Mandatory Credit: Kimberly Moss-USA TODAY Sports

Kancey's size could be a detriment, especially when taking on larger blockers against the run. Donald is a powerhouse defender, while Kancey has deceptive power and relies even more on his quickness. If blockers can counter his initial moves, they may be able to overwhelm him in the trenches. 

Kancey has rare explosion for an interior defender. He combines that with incredible change-of-direction that allows him to burst through off-balance blockers. Once in the open, he has a ferocious close on the ball.

Kancey has a relentless motor and plays with good leverage that also give him an advantage against bigger blockers. He also disengages smoothly and has tremendous lateral pursuit. 

Georgia DT Jalen Carter, a probable top-10 pick, will likely be the first interior defender drafted. Clemson's Bryan Bresee and Kancey are the next two highest rated among a deep class of highly touted tackles. 

Pitt's Pro Day is on Wednesday, March 29. Kancey ran the 40 (4.67 seconds) and the 10-yard split (1.67) at the NFL Scouting Combine last month, but will participate in a wide variety of drills during his Pro Day.

Kancey has gone as high as the middle of the first round in some mocks. He could be available to the Saints at the Number 29 of the first round, but it seems more likely that New Orleans will have to trade up to get him.

Hendon Hooker (5) of the Tennessee Volunteers gets sacked by Calijah Kancey (8) of the Pitt Panthers. Syndication: Beaver County Times/© Michael Longo/USA TODAY NETWORK

Calijah Kancey will not be looked to as the savior to a struggling run defense. He'll have to develop that part of his game and prove he can handle big-bodied NFL linemen, perhaps even as a rotational pass rusher to start his career. 

Kancey's explosive traits as a pass rusher should instantly upgrade an entire defensive front. His penetrating style would also be effective against the run in a 4-man front if surrounded by bigger defenders. Kancey's rare skillset as an interior defender can make opposing quarterbacks miserable and force them into critical mistakes.