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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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10. Cardinals (9): For a quarterback who hasn’t played in a month – and apparently didn’t feel like playing at the end of his last game – Kyler Murray sure has been in the news a lot … and not for reasons that lead anyone to believe these Cards will take flight.Syndication Arizona Republic
10. Cardinals (9): For a quarterback who hasn’t played in a month – and apparently didn’t feel like playing at the end of his last game – Kyler Murray sure has been in the news a lot … and not for reasons that lead anyone to believe these Cards will take flight.Syndication Arizona Republic /

Kyler Murray/Kelvin Beachum, Arizona Cardinals

To be honest, this will not be a tough matchup for George Karlaftis primarily because of the tackle. It will be tough for him because Kyler Murray is incredibly mobile and it will be the first-ever regular-season game for the rookie pass rusher.

Kyler Murray is one of the NFL’s most mobile quarterbacks and is not easy to bring down. Because Karlaftis struggled with lateral movement last year at Purdue, a quarterback like Murray is not the ideal matchup in the first game of the season. Despite having a high motor, Karlaftis may not thrive because of Murray’s speed and will heavily rely on keeping the Arizona QB in the pocket. Where GK may have an advantage is size—Karlaftis has about 70 pounds and six inches in height on Murray—so if he can get the QB in his grasp, he won’t let Murray break away.

Beachum has enjoyed a long career in the NFL, including stints with the Steelers, Jaguars, and Jets, in addition to the Cardinals, obviously. He is again and struggled in run blocking but was above average in pass protection. Beachum is 33 years old so it’s not impossible that he sees a decline in performance, which will make it easier for Karlaftis’ first-ever meaningful game in the NFL.

In conclusion, Week 1 games will always have the spotlight, and 2022 will be no exception for the Chiefs. Murray, despite some of his flaws, is not a fun quarterback to play against and will be one of the tougher matchups for a rookie pass rusher who is also a little raw.

Who do you think will give George Karlaftis the toughest challenge and who did I forget? Feel free to let me know in the comment section or on Twitter (@StrozinskyLucas).

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