NFL comps are always a fun exercise because it gives fans an idea of who prospects can become; granted, they are trivial exercises for a variety of reasons. Most recently, Falcons defender Grady Jarrett has been compared to an NFL draft prospect by ESPN — Calijah Kancey.
At 281 pounds, Kancey is a little lighter than Jarrett was at the 2015 combine (301), but the traits are the same for these defensive tackles. They both have really strong short-area quickness, really good hands and a quick first step. And watching the tape, both Kancey (Pitt) and Jarrett are excellent at tracking the ball down the line of scrimmage. — Marcus Spears, NFL analyst
Coming out of college, Grady Jarrett was heralded for his quickness, mainly due to his explosive first step, which he often displays on Sundays, knifing through gaps. Jarrett also regularly utilizes leverage against bigger offensive linemen, but the concerns coming out remain relevant.
The Falcons former fifth-round pick is a smaller interior defender and can sometimes get blown off the ball against double teams. Still, I don’t think anyone expected him to become a top 10 player at his position. That is a high mark for Calijah Kancey.
The Pittsburgh product is extremely sudden in his pass rush arsenal, which features an array of moves, something that isn’t common among rookies in the NFL. Kancey displays all of the desirable traits that Grady Jarrett has — quick, able to use leverage, and violent hands. However, he is also knocked for his size much like the Falcons defensive tackle was coming out of college.
Any rookie in this class would be giddy if their career turns out the way Jarrett’s has to this point. He’s one of the top players at his position and is getting paid handsomely because of it. Kancey is a name to watch out for in the draft, and if he can be anything like Jarrett at the next level, the Falcons should be very interested.
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