Buccaneers DT Calijah Kancey says he's focused this offseason on improving his durability. Kancey lost five games at the beginning of last season because of a calf injury. The same issue cost him the first three games of 2023, his rookie campaign.
Kancey, on his 2024 exit interview with HC Todd Bowles: "It was more so me making sure that I am ready when the beginning of the season comes and not missing those five games that I did the first two seasons. Really, just making sure that I am doing everything to not miss those games but also help the team to dominate at a high level."
If he stays healthy for 17 games? "I think you would be looking at the sack leader."
Kancey delivered a team-high 7.5 sacks last season, despite playing only 12 games. He has tallied 10 and 11 tackles for loss in his two seasons, plus 12 and 17 QB hits. That all matches up with the type of player he was in college as well.
Kancey's undersized for his position, measuring second-percentile height and fourth-percentile weight historically among DTs at his 2023 Scouting Combine. But he also features elite speed and quickness.
That's why the Bucs drafted him in Round 1, and it's why Kancey has started all 26 of the games he's managed to play in.
We'll certainly monitor his health this summer. But a healthy Kancey brings an intriguing big-play ceiling for IDP leagues with DT-specific slots.
We'll see whether he can actually challenge for the league sack lead, but I have no doubt he has double-digit sack seasons ahead ... if he can stay healthy.
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