The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Calijah Kancey in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and since then, he has slowly grown into one of the best players at his position. Down the stretch of the 2024 season, he took a big step in his development and is poised for a big-time 2025.
Calijah Kancey, though, took a big step in 2025, not just on film but when you look at the numbers.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame shared that the Bucs defensive lineman was efficient at a level never before seen. As the numbers point out below, if he had a chance to bring you down with the ball in your hands, he wasn’t missing out.
Calijah Kancey, @Buccaneers DT – Finished 2024 making all 28 of his tackle opportunities – the only player in the NFL to have 100% tackle efficiency on that volume of opportunities. (Per NGS) #Wearethekrewe #NFL #Buccaneers #TampaBay pic.twitter.com/9w7OPk3pYH
— Pro Football Hall of Fame Ambassador (@PFHOFAmbassador) February 16, 2025
A lot has been talked about needing to upgrade the edge rushers on the Bucs defensive front. While that group needs to take a step, the interior combination of Kancey and Vita Vea is set for the next five to ten years for the team.