5 prospects moving up the Vikings draft board after the 2023 NFL Combine

Calijah Kancey – DT (Pittsburgh)

Calijah Kancey is a guy who will be skyrocketing up draft boards after his performance at the Combine. The Vikings should be taking notice because he’s worked himself into being a real possibility for the team at pick No. 23.

Kancey didn’t participate in all the drills, but he lead all defensive tackles in the 40-yard dash and, more importantly, the 10-yard split. Kancey’s 40 time was a very impressive 4.67, and he ran that at 6-foot-1 and 281 pounds. That 40 time was even faster than a former member of his alma mater, Aaron Donald.

The Vikings definitely need help on the defensive line. The only returning starter at this point will be nose tackle Harrison Phillips. Even if Dalvin Tomlinson returns, Kancey would be an excellent fit next to those two. Vikings’ defensive coordinator Brian Flores could use this disruptive pass rusher in a variety of ways, letting him attack from the inside or put him out wide.

Kancey’s tape shows a disruptive and explosive pass rusher. His workout and testing numbers confirmed all of this, and he is a guy who is almost a lock to go on the draft’s first night now.