KC Chiefs: Best bets for 2022 Defensive MVP

George Karlaftis

With the 30th pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Purdue edge rusher George Karlaftis. Since dubbed “Furious George” what is already unmistakable about the rookie defender is that he never stops. He’s a bullrush specialist at a premium position for a defense that desperately needs a better pass-rushing effort in 2022 if the defense is to improve and succeed.

And there is every reason to believe that the former Boilermaker can be the catalyst for such improvement. There are two primary reasons why no one should be surprised if Karlaftis becomes the Chiefs’ most valuable defender this season.

First, he’s likely to get the opportunity to play, a lot. With no clear starter to play opposite veteran Frank Clark, it’s possible (maybe probable) that this job goes to Kansas City’s first-round pick. Yes, the team typically prefers not to start rookies from the beginning of the season, but they’re already doing so (almost certainly) with cornerback and fellow first-round pick Trent McDuffie. In addition, Karlaftis has far more upside than the other options, namely Mike Danna or Carlos Dunlap, both of whom figure to be rotational and/or situational players this season. If the Chiefs are to focus on developing their young talent, they should (and likely will) play them early and often, especially Karlaftis.

Second, the rest of the defensive line is going to cause issues for opposing teams’ offensive lines. Chris Jones, Frank Clark, and the insurgence of Tershawn Wharton as a legitimate pass rusher will all require offensive lines to approach blocking the Chiefs differently. As we’ve seen through the preseason, if Karlaftis is one-on-one against a tackle, a tight end, or a fullback, it typically means good things for the rookie rusher.

If Karlaftis breaks the Chiefs rookie sack record, which is 10 notched by Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas in 1989, then he’s the team’s defensive MVP (almost certainly).