Four young Chiefs players who impressed vs. Bears

Several young players for the Kansas City Chiefs looked impressive in the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears.

Everything that happens in the NFL preseason has to be taken with a grain of salt, particularly when the game is played against a team like the Chicago Bears. Regardless of that sentiment, however, it was still nice to see the Kansas City Chiefs look so good in the early going of their preseason opener, especially as the offense put together a surgical touchdown drive by Patrick Mahomes to start the game.

While the Bears actually won the game by a final score of 19-14, the Chiefs have to be pleased with what they saw from a number of young players, including some members of their 2022 draft class. Between a couple of big name rookies, and a couple of unproven veterans, there were four young Chiefs players who really helped themselves by putting up impressive displays against the Bears on Saturday.

George Karlaftis

In his first appearance on an NFL gridiron, defensive end George Karlaftis, the 30th overall pick appeared to be exactly as he was advertised coming out of Purdue University. Expectations for the Chiefs’ rookie were lessened after the team signed veteran edge rusher Carlos Dunlap last week, but based on today’s effort, Karlaftis won’t be sliding down the depth chart quietly.

Through the first half, he recorded a number of pressures, had two quarterback hits, batted down a pass, and tallied his first professional sack.

In pursuit of either the quarterback or a rusher, Karlaftis displayed his highly touted motor on a number of occasions, making the value in a young defensive end apparent. He was one of the most efficient pass rushers in college football last year, and excitement for what he has to offer as a rookie greatly increased after today’s game.

Karlaftis played most of the first three quarters and was an issue for the Bears’ first and second-team fronts whenever he was on the field. With the rest of the first-team pressures from the Chiefs being forced by the interior defensive line, the rookie greatly helped his case to become a starter on this defense.