Calijah Kancey
DL, Pittsburgh · 2023 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #19 (TAM)
Why he went too high Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being overvalued: availability. Details below.
The 2023 class is only 3 seasons in, so this verdict can still change a lot.
- Availability
Played 28 of ~51 possible regular-season games from 2023 through 2025 (~55%). Plus 7 games so far in 2026.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #20 (#2 at his position), close to where he went (#19).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Pittsburgh: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.67 40-yard dash at 281 lbs: faster than 88% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DL (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a bust for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 35 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 1 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 13 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 2 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 15.0 |
| Defense | 45 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2023 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2023 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 1", 281 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.67 s |
| Arm / hand | 30.63" / 9.13" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #20 overall (#2 DL) |
Picked around him 2023 redraft
| 16 | Emmanuel Forbes | redraft #86 |
| 17 | Christian Gonzalez | redraft #24 |
| 18 | Jack Campbell | redraft #10 |
| 20 | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | redraft #7 |
| 21 | Quentin Johnston | redraft #39 |
| 22 | Zay Flowers | redraft #6 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.