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Chris Canty DE Virginia 6’7 290
By: Robert Davis

Chris Canty is very accomplished both on and off the field. Canty became a full time starter as a sophomore, and he took full advantage, racking up All ACC honors with 86 tackles. As a junior, he was once again an All ACC performer with an unheard of 104 tackles for a defensive lineman. He also added 4 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. In just four games as a senior, Canty had 30 tackles, including 7 for loss. Canty has been named a team captain, all academic ACC, and graduated after his junior season with a degree in African American studies.

Chris Canty is the ideal 3-4 defensive end. He has great size, and his long arms allow him to take on lineman and keep them from his chest, freeing himself up to make a lot of tackles. He is very active along the defensive line. He is a very good athlete, and has the frame to add some more weight at the next level. For a team running the 3-4, he is very experienced, and ready to play immediately.

Canty doesn’t appear to have the closing speed to play in anything but the 3-4. In a 4-3 defense, he doesn’t have the speed to play outside, and doesn’t have the bulk to play inside. He also has some durability issues. He’s missed time every year but his junior year because of injuries. His senior season was cut short because of a knee injury.

Canty has big time upside at the next level in the 3-4 defense. However, right now, his draft status is up in the air because of the knee injury he suffered that ended his season. If Canty can show he is fully healthy, he should hear his name called in the second round. If there is some lingering effects, he may go later, and may not hear his name called on the first day. The post season circuit will be big for Canty’s draft prospects.

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