Saints Take Defensive Tackle in Latest Mel Kiper Mock Draft

We are nearing closer to the start of the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City, Missouri, and the New Orleans Saints will be on the clock with the 29th overall pick. Mock drafts are continuing to show up throughout the NFL landscape, and ESPN’s Mel Kiper came out with his latest NFL mock draft on Monday. Kiper has the Saints filling one of their top needs heading into the draft, defensive tackle. The Saints land Pittsburgh’s Calijah Kancey in Kiper’s latest mock draft. Hear from Kiper on what makes Kancey a perfect fit for the black and gold:

“As I mentioned in my previous mock draft, the Saints completely turned over at defensive tackle and added Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd to be their new starters. What if they’re not done adding? Kancey is one of my favorite prospects in this class. He’s so explosive as a pass-rusher and despited being undersized–6-1, 281 pounds — he’s going to rack up sacks at the next level. He had 14.5 over the past two seasons. New Orleans could also look at the pass-catchers here, either at tight end or receiver.”

Looking at the Saints Defensive Tackle Depth Chart:

Saints DT Malcolm Roach (97) – Joe Sargent/Getty Images

There was concern heading into the offseason about who will fill the spots at defensive tackle for the Saints heading into the 2023 season. New Orleans had several key players on the free agency market at the position, and it continues to remain a top priority heading into this year’s NFL Draft. The Saints were able to add Saunders and Shepherd into the mix to the defensive front rotation. Saunders and Shepherd will be expected to be the starting defensive tackles unless New Orleans adds another piece through the NFL Draft.

Outside of adding two experienced defensive tackles, New Orleans was also able to re-sign Malcolm Roach. Roach headed into the offseason as a free agent, and he has played a key role in the rotation at the position. The only other defensive tackle on the roster is Prince Emili. Emili spent the 2022 season on the practice squad and didn’t see any game action during the regular season.

The free agent moves were necessary as the Saints will be without David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle. Both signed with new teams during the free agency period. It is without question that when New Orleans is on the clock in the first round, they will be considering retooling the interior of their defensive line.

Calijah Kancey Scouting Report:

Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey (8) – Pitt Athletics

Kancey enters the 2023 NFL Draft as one of the top defensive tackle prospects in this year’s draft class and has the intangibles to have a successful career at the next level. He stepped onto the scene during his freshman season at Pittsburgh in 2019. Kancey would only make one appearance in the year in the Quick Lane Bowl, and because of that, he decided to redshirt. The talented defensive tackle would start to see more action on the field heading into the 2020 season.

During the 2020 season, Kancey would earn four starts during his second year with the Panthers. Kancey totaled 27 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. The Miami, Florida native would earn Freshman All-American honors for his performance on the field in 2020. He would be able to continue that momentum heading into the 2021 season. In 2021, Kancey would start in all 14 games at defensive tackle. Kancey racked up 35 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and added a forced fumble on the year.

The 2022 season would be one of his bests during his collegiate career as Kancey compiled 31 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 lacks. Kancey led the nation’s interior defenders with 14.5 tackles for loss and would have a career-high 3.5 sacks against Virginia. NFL scouts were impressed with Kancey at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he posted a 4.67 official 40-yard dash. Hear from Pro Football Network on what strengths Kancey will bring to the next level:

“Used from several alignments on the interior of the defensive line, Kancey explodes out of his stance with dangerous intentions. The Pitt DT showcases an exceptional first step and is routinely the first Pitt lineman to penetrate the opposition’s offensive line.

He routinely gets his hands on his opponent first. Kancey’s explosion is apparent on every single snap, and in the games studied, there was no let-up in his ability to be first to the point of attack.

The explosion is just one element of an impressive athletic package possessed by the 2023 NFL Draft prospect. Kancey showcases incredibly quick feet, which allow for ludicrous lateral agility.”

Kancey has experience on the interior of the defensive line, and he possesses all of the pass-rush moves that you see at the next level. He is able to explode off of the ball with a quick first step, and he is able to get off of blockers to get into the opposing backfield.