Lessons learned from KC Chiefs rookie mini-camp

George Karlaftis looks the part

When George Karlaftis first took the field for the Purdue Boilermakers, he became a national sensation during his freshman campaign in which he put up 17 tackles for a loss. He made a lasting impression on scouts and was a player to watch for future pro potential just a few games into his collegiate career.

From the sound of things at rookie mini-camp, Karlaftis is having a similar effect in his first few days with the Chiefs organization. As the team’s first-round pick, the defensive end should be expected to look a bit faster, stronger, or even better than others in mini-camp given his draft position that only 29 other players total were taken ahead of him. When Reid spoke with reporters and described Karlaftis, it was clear that the first-round pick was an exceptional talent who’d turned the heads of coaches.

Following the third day of mini-camp, Reid spoke to reporters and praised Karlaftis’ skills and motor.

"“…I’ll tell you, it looks like he’s got a nice feel for the game. We put some fire zones in yesterday and he moves around well when he’s in space. He’s got good hands it looks like. . . but that motor is probably the thing that jumps out at you. He goes and goes.”"

Karlaftis has a very clear path to starter’s minutes from the opening week for the Chiefs if he can claim them. Working opposite Frank Clark, Karlaftis has the talent to be a three-down cornerstone along the defensive front—a position at which the Chiefs were lacking options. If he’s looking this good at mini-camp, he’s a decent bet to be the starting end in Week 1.