Early reports out of Kansas City are that rookie edge rusher George Karlaftis is already impressing Chiefs' brass and JustinM_NFL, for one, isn't surprised. FrontOffice33 | ChiefsKingdom
cemented their status as elite prospects, Karlaftis somewhat faded into the background. Reports regarding Karlaftis’ actual draft stock proved to be accurate, and the Chiefs eventually drafted Karlaftis with the No. 30 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. They couldn’t be happier with their choice. Early indications are that Karlaftis has hit the ground running in Kansas City, while appearing fully capable of providing the Chiefs with an immediate return on their investment.
Karlaftis now joins a winning club that contains a certain standard of excellence. The annual Super Bowl contending Chiefs will provide Karlaftis with an immediate opportunity to make an impact across their transitioning front seven and Karlaftis’ play-style has quickly endeared itself to illustrious Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid.. “We had to slow him down during walk-throughs. He moves around well when he’s in space. He’s got good hands, but that motor is probably the thing that jumps out at you.
Karlaftis’ motor was routinely on display throughout his time at Purdue, too. It’s no surprise to hear he’s continued to put his best foot forward at rookie minicamp and organized team activities . Karlaftis’ refined punch and advanced shedding techniques made him a close-quarters combat winner in college, where he recorded 4.5 sacks in 12 appearances in 2021.
The Chiefs struggled to apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season. They finished the campaign with just 31.0 total sacks. Only the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons recorded fewer quarterback takedowns. It was a clear weakness of Kansas City’s underperforming defense and the inability to make quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket doomed Kansas City throughout several contests in 2021.