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The toughest matchups in George Karlaftis’ rookie season

By Lucas Strozinsky

Apr 28, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis after being selected as the thirtieth overall pick to the Kansas City Chiefs during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft at the NFL Draft Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis after being selected as the thirtieth overall pick to the Kansas City Chiefs during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft at the NFL Draft Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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After being selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, who will be George Karlaftis’ toughest matchups in his rookie season?

The Kansas City Chiefs have a lot of question marks on the defensive side of the ball this season. They got a lot younger and said goodbye to multiple multi-year veteran starters. The part of the defense with the most concern among Chiefs fans is probably the pass rush but the edge of the defensive line in particular. They have Frank Clark, Mike Danna, and Josh Kaindoh returning from 2021 but they also spend a first-round pick on a former three-year starter from Purdue named George Karlaftis.

I personally viewed George Karlaftis as a surefire Top 20 pick in the NFL Draft, so you know I was thrilled when the Chiefs got him at 30th overall. I also expect him, when he plays, to play mostly left defensive end since Frank Clark primarily plays the right side. This means that Karlaftis should mostly play against right tackles.

Since he will (most likely) be relied upon to play a large number of snaps this season, who will be the toughest matchup for Karlaftis during the regular season of his rookie year?

Josh Allen/Spencer Brown, Buffalo Bills

Everyone knows that Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Some say he’s even better than Patrick Mahomes. I do not share that opinion but it is not uncommon in the NFL world. Sacking Josh Allen is extremely difficult but not impossible for a player like George Karlaftis.

It is arguable that Josh Allen’s most impressive trait is his size and speed, which in turn makes a difficult tackle, not who is on defense. Though Allen is a challenging quarterback to bring down, George Karlaftis may not have as difficult of a time as other pass rushers. This is because Karlaftis will not be intimated by Allen’s 240-pound frame since Karlaftis weighs around 275-280 pounds himself. Also, George Karlaftis’ strengths include his motor and physicality.

Where Karlaftis could struggle against Allen during his rookie season is side-to-side movement when Allen breaks the pocket. George Karlaftis’ lateral movement is still developing and that can be an issue against a quarterback who does not play football like a statue.

Tackle Spencer Brown did struggle in pass protection last season but he was a rookie and I would expect to see a significant improvement in his overall. This matchup is a part of this article primarily because of the alien the Bills have at QB.

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