Bucs Calijah Kancey NFL draft success

Calijah Kancey doubted his NFL draft prospects after being snubbed by teams, but the Bucs took a chance and it paid off.

Calijah Kancey, a standout interior pass rusher from Pittsburgh, was projected to be a first-round pick in the NFL draft. Despite his impressive college career, Kancey found himself in a state of uncertainty as teams were not showing interest in bringing him in for visits. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in particular, kept their interest in Kancey under wraps to avoid drawing attention to their intentions.

Kancey expressed his doubts about being selected on the first day of the draft, as he had not received many invitations for top-30 visits. The process of pre-draft visits can be misleading, with teams using them for various purposes such as medical evaluations and getting to know the prospect's personality. The Bucs, having done their homework on Kancey, ultimately selected him with the 19th overall pick.

Despite a calf injury that sidelined him for part of his rookie season, Kancey quickly made an impact on the field. Playing alongside Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vita Vea, Kancey's speed and Vea's power created problems for opponents. Kancey's performance in the postseason showcased his potential as a disruptive force on the defensive line.

Heading into his second season, Kancey is focused on improving his ability to shed blockers and playing with a more aggressive mindset. Coach Todd Bowles emphasizes the importance of consistency and excellence in every aspect of the game, urging players to maintain a high level of intensity year-round.

As the Bucs prepare for the upcoming draft, Kancey reflects on the unpredictable nature of the selection process and the stress that comes with it. The team has made moves to bolster their defensive line, signing veteran William Gholston and adding international prospect Lorenz Metz through the International Pathway Program.

With Kancey and fellow pass rusher Yaya Diaby forming a promising tandem, the Bucs look to build on their success in the upcoming season. The journey to NFL success is filled with challenges and uncertainties, but Kancey embraces the process as he looks forward to making an impact in his second year in the league.