Bucs DT Calijah Kancey Wants To Be “Disruptive”

The Bucs’ first-round pick was a surprise, but general manager Jason Licht seemed very satisfied that the front office got their guy. That guy is Pittsburgh defensive tackle Calijah Kancey. After being selected, Kancey talked with the local media over Zoom about the draft process, the chip on his shoulder, and already wanting to jump into the playbook and get better.

Calijah Kancey Reveals How Much The Bucs Talked To Him

Throughout the draft cycle, many pegged the Bucs to be considering an offensive tackle or edge rusher in the first round. Very few could predict that the team would select Calijah Kancey, and he revealed that throughout the draft process, he was also unsure of the team’s intentions.

“I had a great draft process,” Kancey said. “I want to thank the Buccaneers for drafting me, but honestly, throughout this process and talking to them, I had no clue that I’d be the one they would call. I’m very grateful for this opportunity.”

Pitt DT Calijah Kancey Photo By: USA Today

He was watching the NFL Draft from Miami, Florida, his hometown. He won’t have to travel far to meet with the team.

“I’m watching the draft down here in Miami. I’m here with my family, and man — the response — everything was just like, it caught us off-guard. Everybody just cheered out loud, and I was just stunned. I didn’t know what to say.”

Prior to the Bucs’ selection, the board was filled with trades and interesting selections. To illustrate this, look no further than not one, but TWO running backs were taken in the first twelve picks.

One of which was Bijan Robinson to the Falcons at eighth overall. The selection of Kancey can be considered a countermove and will make for an interesting battle to watch in the NFC South next season. To say the least, this draft, maybe more than others in recent years, was unexpected.

“I just want to say being called by Tampa Bay; the draft was kind of not going the way it looked on the mock drafts and everything, what people predicted. It was just a surprise and it kind of worked out great. I’m happy to be a Buccaneer.”

Not only is he happy to headline the Bucs’ draft class, as is general manager Jason Licht.

Bucs GM Jason Licht Praises DT Calijah Kancey

Speaking right after the first selection, Licht heaped praise on Kancey for how he will impact the team.

Bucs GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Matt Matera/PR

“He’s a super disruptive interior player that you can actually play outside a little bit too,” Licht said. “I know that our coaches are excited about all the different things you can do with a player like this just because of his elite athleticism, quickness, [he’s] super intelligent, [and] just a great competitor.

He added: “So, we’re just really happy. We think we got a chance to get somebody, [where] in this day and age it’s hard to find interior pass rushers. They’re very few and far between. So hopefully, we got one.”

Last season, the Bucs selected another defensive lineman with their first pick in Logan Hall. While he has not completely proven worthy of his draft stock, it can take a while for defensive linemen to learn the techniques and playbook to become comfortable playing and game speed and being “disruptive,” to quote what Licht thinks Kancey can be. Kancey himself iterated that he already wants to get ahead of the game and use his elite athletic traits to hit the ground running.

Bucs DT Calijah Kancey Already Wants To Get Better

Commenting on what aspects of his game he wants to improve, Kancey made it clear that he wants to play consistently and fast.

“I want to get better at being consistent. Being able to have that great footwork, great technique, and just being able to be in a position to make those plays. That’s just something I got to do every down, and that’s what I’m going to be working on.”

Pitt DT Calijah Kancey Photo By: USA Today

He made a lot of plays over his past two seasons at Pittsburgh. In terms of counting numbers, he was one of the best defensive tackles in college football. In 2021, he totaled 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Already great numbers, he took a step up last season with 14.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. While he is known for playing fast (4.67 40 time), he wants to learn the playbook to turn his speed into making plays.

“Something I hope to do when I get there —- at the next level — I want to learn the playbook. I want to be able to play faster than what I am. I think knowing the playbook and knowing what you got to do on the field helps you play faster, so that’s something I’m going to put a lot of work into.”

He also will be putting work into building relationships with coaches and players. Perhaps the most crucial relationship will be the one he forms with head coach Todd Bowles. He hopes to cultivate a bond with him and give him his all when he plays.

“Me and coach Todd Bowles haven’t spoken much, but we’re definitely looking forward to building a relationship. I’m definitely going to give him the 100% he deserves from me on the field every down, every practice, and every day.”