2023 NFL Draft: 6 Prospects who made money at the Scouting Combine

4. Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh

Force is one word to describe Calijah Kancey. His historic 2023 NFL Combine performance, where he ran a 4.67, has made him an ideal three-technique and a hot commodity in the draft. He’ll see Aaron Donald comps, but he’s not in that vein, but Kancey’s explosive and physical playing style is driven by his quickness, urgency, and competitive toughness. He excels at gap penetration, which allows him to make plays behind the line of scrimmage against the run and pass.

Kancey’s contact balance is impressive given his size, and his style of play makes him a slippery and flexible defender, able to work off contact and string together moves to get off blocks. He’s a motor player, always around the football, and keeps his hands engaged to win battles.

However, his undersized and length-lacking frame presents a challenge for projecting his success at the next level. His lack of mass and length make him vulnerable to being pushed around by bigger blockers, and he cannot afford any technical lapses. Despite this, Kancey’s twitchy feet, leverage, and motor make him a nightmare for offenses as a pass rusher, and his top-flight closing kick gets him to quarterbacks with ease.

Kancey’s explosive and productive playing style and top-notch penetration skills make him a valuable asset for any up-the-field defense. His lack of size and length may limit his role, but his potential as a rotational run defender and full-time sub-package rusher is undeniable.