Pitt player gaining national recognition ahead of 2023 NFL Draft
The University of Pittsburgh is starting to make a name for itself once again. And with the 2023 NFL Draft getting closer every day, another Pitt Panther is catching the eye of NFL scouts.
Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey has gained some national recognition in Mel Kiper's first mock draft of the year. Kiper has Kancey going 10th overall to the Philadelphia Eagles.
It may be surprising to some as Kancey is a little undersized for the position, standing at 6-foot, 280 pounds. And although he's ranked as Pro Football Focus's 38th overall player, he has an impressive resume for his time at Pitt.
The 21-year-old had 64 tackles, 14 sacks, and one forced fumble over the past two years. He also earned Unanimous All-American status, the Panthers’ first since DT Aaron Donald in 2013.
"Kancey's 2022 tape is extremely impressive, and I moved him way up my Big Board," Kiper said.
A lot can happened between now and April 27th, opening night of the 2023 NFL Draft, but Kancey certainly finds himself in good company.
"He's not Donald," Kiper added. "But he's still pretty good."
If Kancey is drafted in the first round, he would become the 26th Pitt player to be a first-round selection and just the third in the last decade (Kenny Pickett 2022, Aaron Donal 2014).
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