2022 NFL Draft: Edge rushers worth targeting by KC Chiefs
George Karlaftis – Purdue
- 6-foot-4
- 266 pounds
- 32.5-inch arms
- 4.77 forty
George Karlaftis of Purdue is an interesting prospect. Depending on who you talk to, he is either criminally overrated or underrated. There is no doubt in my mind that Karlaftis is a worthy first-round pick that will help whatever team that he goes to. That having been said, he’s not on the level of Jermaine Johnson or the top three edge prospects. His lack of bend around the edge limits him to a power/effort type pass rusher. That doesn’t mean he won’t get his fair share of sacks in the NFL, he just can’t win with speed/bend as the top prospects can.
The other thing that knocks Karlaftis down a little is that he isn’t quite as good against the run as you would expect from a guy with his build and strength. That’s not to say that he’s bad against the run, but he’s not as good as Johnson who is a leaner and more athletic player. However, I do believe Karlaftis is going to wear out NFL-level tackles with his violent attack snap after snap. He has great hands and is a guy that is going to eventually get the job done as the game wears on.
While I wouldn’t be happy if the Chiefs traded up into the 10-15 range for Karlaftis, I would be fine if they moved up 5-10 picks to the early 20s if he is still on the board. I believe he could be a starter from day one in his rookie year, he would just have a few growing pains. If he were to slide all the way to pick #29 the Chiefs would be crazy not to draft him.
Don’t Just Take My Word For It
I think this quote from Lance Zierlein’s scouting report at NFL.com summarizes his pass rush profile well:
"He’s a force-based rusher with anchor-busting power and the ability to get to his counters when the rush begins to stall. With just two full seasons under his belt, there will be more development headed Karlaftis’ way."
While he may not be the smoothest or bendy edge rusher, you can see him still win off the edge with his burst in the tweet below.
When people get excited about George Karlaftis (DE, Purdue #5) this is why.
— EJ Snyder (@FootballEJ) April 9, 2022
That is special/rare quickness out of a guy his size (6’4”/266). Just blasts by the RT. pic.twitter.com/gSCqAjmxD5
Check out Karlaftis’ highlights HERE.
If the Chiefs don’t want to trade up for an edge rusher at all, the next prospect is most likely going to be their best option at the end of the first round.