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2023 NFL Draft: Defensive tackles who would fit the Chiefs

By Grant Tuttle

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Jordan Yates #13 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets is pressured by defensive lineman Bryan Bresee #11 of the Clemson Tigers during the second quarter during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Jordan Yates #13 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets is pressured by defensive lineman Bryan Bresee #11 of the Clemson Tigers during the second quarter during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Calijah Kancey #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers reacts after sacking Kasim Hill #8 of the Rhode Island Rams during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Calijah Kancey #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers reacts after sacking Kasim Hill #8 of the Rhode Island Rams during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh

Projected Round: 2

Defensive Fit: High

Analysis: Much has been made of Calijah Kancey during this pre-draft process with parallels to former Pittsburgh legend Aaron Donald. With tremendous pass-rushing potential, just one thing may hold NFL GMs from pulling the trigger in the first round: his size. With shorter length and mass, Kancey is not overly imposing on guards. He is, however, tremendous at getting into the backfield quickly.

For the Chiefs, there are several reasons to take a long look at Kancey. For one, he has the athletic traits to be a versatile piece on passing downs. He could also make for a future nightmare alongside Chris Jones, if his skills translate to the NFL. On the flip-side, he is not as surefire as some other prospects in this class. While he has great athleticism, the transition the NFL may take several years to master. For the Chiefs, they need their rookies to come in and have an impact immediately.

Brett Veach may see the overall talent of Kancey and take a home run swing, but in the NFL it is a rarity to find dominant defensive tackles that are so undersized. Kancey is just 6’1 and 281 pounds. Steve Spagnuolo would carve out a role for a guy with his skillset, but Brett Veach generally strays away from drafting guys that have a high ceiling and low floor.

Kancey is certainly a name to look out for as we get closer to the draft.

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