2022 NFL Draft grades: KC Chiefs earn high marks in first round

George Karlaftis, defensive end, Purdue

Two things are clear to every expert when it comes to George Karlaftis. He’s going to be a big-time improvement for the Chiefs up front as a pass rusher. Yet it’s also true that he’s not a finished product and that his youth might indicate that his best football is ahead of him,.

Karlaftis was an immediate standout on the Purdue Boilermaker defense as a freshman when he put up 17 tackles for loss. While he remained productive since then, teams have thrown extra blockers at him on most downs in their attempts to slow his impact and keep him at bay. What’s crazy is that Karlaftis just turned 21-years-old in the same month as he was drafted.

That youth should serve him well as he continues to grow with reps at the pro level and proper coaching from new defensive line coach Joe Cullen. Yahoo Sports’ Eric Edholm loves his energy and hands but admits he remains a raw prospect and ultimately gives the Chiefs a B+ for the pick.

Bleacher Report gave the Chiefs an A grade here and their scouting report had a glowing review of Karlaftis, “Aside from ideal length,Karlaftis has just about every trait necessary to bloom into a star power-rusher.”

Both Kapadia of The Athletic and Christian D’Andrea of USA Today gave Karlaftis a B grade and seemed to feel just fine about the pick. There wasn’t much raving yet both admitted he would provide good value for the Chiefs up front who have a major need at edge rusher.