Jason Licht Compares Calijah Kancey’s Traits To HOF Players
One player is already in the Hall Of Fame and the other is going in as soon as he’s eligible after retirement. The skillset that has made them the best of the best are also what Bucs general manager Jason Licht sees in his 2023 first round draft pick, Calijah Kancey.
Oddly enough, the two players also have deep connections to either the Bucs or Kancey’s alma mater.
Licht Gives Shoutout To A Bucs Legend
Licht took to the podium following the selection of Kancey ay 19th overall to discuss the reasoning for the decision. It was a pick that came under some questioning since the Bucs were also in need of positions such as an offensive tackle with Anton Harrison on the board or nickelback with safety Brian Branch available.
The Bucs have had the mindset of all offseason that they want the whole roster to get faster. They stuck to their game plan on that end with the explosiveness that Kancey brings. At 6-1, 281 pounds, Kancy’s size might make you hesitate a bit. But you know who weighed in at the exact same height and weight during his draft process? Hall of Famer and Bucs Ring of Honor member, Warren Sapp.
“People said that Warren Sapp was undersized, too,” Licht said. “I’m sure Warren is very happy about this pick because I am pretty sure he’d like this guy – they have a very similar play style.”
Sapp is always one to speak his mind, so I’m sure we’ll get his thoughts on the pick sooner rather than later.
Pitt Panthers NFL Lineage
There was another comparison for Kancey that hits much closer to where he played. While Pittsburgh hasn’t had a ton of success as a team, when their players go to the NFL they usually become the best of the best. In no particular order there’s Darrelle Revis, Larry Fitzgerald, Dan Marino, and LeSean McCoy to name a few. And of course, the future Hall Of Famer that Kancey plays the same position as – Aaron Donald.
Common Traits Between Donald And Kancey
Though Licht said it’s not reasonable to compare the two, their have been those see the similarities. And get this, Donald’s height and weight when he was a draft prospect was 6-1, 280. Just a pound off of Kancey and Sapp.
“I think it’s always unfair to compare a player to a several time All-Pro and first ballot Hall of Famer,” Licht said of the Kancey and Donald connection. But you can see some of the similarities in the way he plays. [They are] undersized but super explosive, super competitive, [and have] off the charts athleticism.”
Kancey Speaks On Comparisons
Kancey was flattered to be in the discussion with Donald, but has his focus on being the best version of himself.
“That’s a great comparison, but I’m Calijah Kancey at the end of the day,” Kancey said. “It’s great to be compared to a guy like that and that caliber. At the end of day I’m Calijah Kancey and that’s who I want to make a name for.”
So good luck, Elijah. Whether fair or not, you’ve been put in a category with two players that are held in the highest regard possible at your position.
