One player is already in the Hall Of Fame and the other is going in as soon as he’s eligible after retirement. The skillset that has made them the best of the best are also what Bucs general manager Jason Licht sees in his 2023 first round draft pick, Calijah Kancey.

Oddly enough, the two players also have deep connections to either the Bucs or Kancey’s alma mater.

Licht Gives Shout-out To A Bucs Legend

Licht took to the podium following the selection of Kancey with the 19th overall pick to discuss the reasoning for the decision. It was a pick that came under some questioning since the Bucs were also in need of positions such as an offensive tackle with Anton Harrison on the board, or nickelback with safety Brian Branch available.

Bucs Hall of Fame DT Warren Sapp – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The Bucs have had the mindset all offseason that they want to get faster across the board. They stuck to their game plan on that end with the explosiveness that Kancey brings. At 6-foot-1, 281 pounds, Kancey’s size might give some pause. But there was another Bucs defensive tackle who weighed in at the exact same height and weight during his draft process – Hall of Famer and Bucs Ring of Honor member Warren Sapp.

“People said that Warren Sapp was undersized, too,” Licht said. “I’m sure Warren is very happy about this pick because I am pretty sure he’d like this guy – they have a very similar play style.”

Sapp is always one to speak his mind, so we’ll get his thoughts on the Bucs’ first pick sooner rather than later.

Pitt Panthers NFL Lineage

Rams DT Aaron Donald – Photo by: USA Today

There was another comparison for Kancey that hits much closer to where he played. While Pittsburgh hasn’t had a ton of success as a team, when their players go to the NFL some of them have become elite NFL players. In no particular order there’s Darrelle Revis, Larry Fitzgerald, Dan Marino, and LeSean McCoy to name a few. And of course, the future Hall Of Famer that plays the same position that Kancey does – Aaron Donald.

Common Traits Between Donald And Kancey

Though Licht said it’s not reasonable to compare the two, there are some similarities. Donald’s height and weight when he was a draft prospect was 6-foot-1, 280 pounds – just a pound off of Kancey and Sapp.

“I think it’s always unfair to compare a player to a several time All-Pro and first ballot Hall of Famer,” Licht said of the Kancey and Donald connection. But you can see some of the similarities in the way he plays. [They are] undersized but super explosive, super competitive, [and have] off the charts athleticism.”

Bucs DT Calijah Kancey Photo By: USA Today

Kancey Speaks On Comparisons

Kancey was flattered to be in the discussion with Donald, but has his focus on being the best version of himself.

“That’s a great comparison, but I’m Calijah Kancey at the end of the day,” Kancey said. “It’s great to be compared to a guy like that and that caliber. At the end of day I’m Calijah Kancey and that’s who I want to make a name for.”

So good luck, Calijah. Whether fair or not, you’ve been put in a category with two players that are held in the highest regard possible at your position.

Watch Calijah Kancey Get The Call From Jason Licht And Todd Bowles