Even at 6-foot-1, Pitt defensive tackle Calijah Kancey will cost a premium pick in NFL Draft
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From Hank Poteat in 2000 to Damarri Mathis last year, the names of 57 Pitt players were called in 21 of the past 23 NFL drafts.
The exceptions: 2012 and 2013 when Pitt’s recruiting and player development were set back by the loss of two head coaches – Dave Wannstedt and Todd Graham – in a year’s time.
During Pat Narduzzi’s eight years on the job, at least one Pitt player was selected in every draft from 2015-2022, including five in 2017 and six in 2021, the latter year representing the most in 18 drafts. Larry Fitzgerald led a class of six in 2004.
The streak will continue this week, perhaps as soon as Thursday in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, certainly no later than Friday in the second round.
If defensive tackle Calijah Kancey is picked Thursday, it will give Pitt first-rounders in consecutive drafts for the first time since 2007-2008 (cornerback Darrelle Revis and offensive lineman Jeff Otah). Kenny Pickett was picked 20th overall by the Steelers last year.
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said the NFL associates “a degree of toughness” with Pitt players. That said, is Kancey a consideration for the Pittsburgh Steelers with their first-round pick, 17th overall?
The Steelers could use some young blood on the defensive line with Cam Heyward turning 34 next month. Yet Matt Williamson, a former NFL and college scout and a host on Steelers Nation Radio, said Kancey might not fit what the Steelers seek from their defensive tackles.
In its draft preview magazine, Lindy’s lists Kancey at 5-foot-11, 280 pounds, but he measured 6-1, 283 at Pitt’s Pro Day. Even at his correct height, Kancey is the shortest of the 20 defensive tackles ranked by Lindy’s.
“Obviously, he’s compared to Aaron Donald, poor kid,” Williamson said on a podcast with the Trib’s Tim Benz. “He has no chance to be Aaron Donald. Nobody does.
“He wins with great explosion off the ball. His 40 time was tremendous (4.67 seconds, an NFL Combine record for defensive tackles). But his 10-yard split was even better (1.64). And that translates to (Kancey’s game) tape.
“He is a low, Geno Atkins type (formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals), really hard to get your hands on.
“But he has short arms, which worries me. Worst-case scenario, he might just be an interior pass rush specialist. I don’t know that he holds up against the Ravens on the inside for 60 snaps and probably doesn’t fit (with the Steelers).”
Kancey, who was named first-team All-American by eight outlets, will be the first Pitt player drafted, and his employer will need to expend a premium pick to get him. His quickness off the ball and strength will be difficult to ignore.
There were 14 former Pitt players who worked out at Pitt’s Pro Day last month. The list includes Kancey, running back Izzy Abanikanda, wide receiver Jared Wayne, defensive ends Deslin Alexandre and Habakkuk Baldonado, safeties Brandon Hill and Erick Hallett, linebackers SirVocea Dennis, Tylar Wiltz and John Petrishen and offensive linemen Carter Warren, Marcus Minor, Gabe Houy and Owen Drexel.
After Kancey, the most intriguing Pitt product is Abanikanda, who led the ACC in rushing last season with 1,431 yards in only 11 games.
“Very explosive,” Williamson said. “He really fits that (coach Kyle) Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers) scheme. Give him one cut and, boom, he attacks a hole and runs away from people. Really quick accelerator.
“One thing that scares the heck out of me, though, is he goes down when hit from the side way too easily. His contact balance isn’t great, but I think he’s a fifth-round pick.”
In recent years, the NFL has devalued running backs in the draft, which would make Abanikanda a value pick in a later round, if he’s not chosen in the first three.
An interesting name to watch — but not to claim if you’re a Pitt fan — is Jordan Addison. The former Pitt wide receiver who transferred to USC last year could be a first-round pick.
“He would be a dynamic, smaller, slot (receiver) who certainly can line up outside,” Williamson said.
Pickett wouldn’t mind a reunion with Addison, his chief target in 2021 on the way to an ACC championship.
Williamson listed Addison among his top 17 Steelers possibilities.
“But he’ll be 14, 15, 16. His tape at USC wasn’t as good as it was at Pitt.”
Pickett and Addison created something special together (100 receptions, 1,593 yards, 17 touchdowns in one season).
“You can’t discount the Pickett-Addison combination,” Williamson said. “He would make the (Steelers) offense harder to play against. I talked about how I get greedy at receiver. Throw him into the mix, and you’re not seeing the Gunners (Olszewski) and (Steven) Sims out there that defenses like to see. You’re putting out high quality skill guys time and time again.”
If the Steelers want Addison, they better act at 17, Williamson said.
“I’d be fine with it,” he said. But he added, “I hope you can do better at 17. I don’t think there’s any chance he’s there at 32 (the Steelers’ second pick).”