Pitt Defensive Tackle Draws Aaron Donald Comparisons With Blazing Fast 40

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is one of the greatest defenders in NFL history thanks to an explosive athletic skillset that he made abundantly apparent at the 2014 NFL Combine. Now, a fellow Pitt prospect may have outdone him. Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey scorched a 4.67 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine on Thursday, the fastest mark by a defensive tackle since 2003.

Pittsburgh's Calijah Kancey ran the fastest 40-yard dash by someone 280+ lbs since 2003@Pitt_FB #NFLCombine2023 pic.twitter.com/PP8PEsfnxc
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) March 2, 2023

Donald was a similarly undersized interior defensive lineman when he turned heads at the 2014 Combine, posting a 4.68 40-yard dash at 6'1", 283 pounds. Kancey measured in at 6'1", 281 pounds.

Kancey elected not to participate in the combine's other events, so his performance wasn't nearly as complete as Donald's. The three-time Defensive Player of the year posted similarly staggering numbers in the bench press (35) and 20-yard shuttle (4.39). His college production was also in a completely different category: Donald logged 29.5 sacks and 66.0 tackles for loss over four seasons with Pitt, while Kancey totalled 16.0 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss over his three seasons.

Still, falling short of Aaron Donald is hardly a failure. 99% of players in the NFL aren't on his level. If Kancey can provide even a fraction of Donald's effectiveness, he'll be a hot commodity in the draft and worthy of a first-round pick.