Fast and Furious: George Karlaftis lives up to hype for Chiefs

Yes, it is only Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season. However, Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis wasted little time in his professional debut.

Just look at the numbers. Karlaftis entered the Arizona Cardinals matchup third on the depth chart, below less-than-inspiring veterans Michael Danna and Frank Clark. The outsiders’ expectations were pretty unanimous for Karlaftis early in this season. The incumbent options were Danna and Clark, and both had safe floors, especially Danna’s run defense. But, it was Karlaftis and Clark who appeared in Kansas City’s opening defensive series. It was slightly shocking but wholly deserved.

Those who follow the NFL draft know how Karlaftis’ trajectory went up and down. Once projected to be a top-10 selection in 2022, his poor athletic testing nearly sent him tumbling out of the first round. Honestly, I agreed. At times at Purdue, Karlaftis looked good, but his tape left something to be desired. He did not dominate the way many first-round prospects did. Besides, what team would want a raw prospect who didn’t have optimal athletic traits?

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis had expectations exceeding his rookie status. His Week 1 performance quickly showed how promising his future may be.

Well, apparently that team was the Kansas City Chiefs. Their decision looked good in the preseason and training camp, but now Karlaftis looks like a bonafide steal. If Karlaftis’ Week 1 performance is any indicator, he will prove his pre-draft doubters wrong. I hope he proves me wrong. Let’s be honest.

Karlaftis not only wowed fans and analysts, but he also got the chance to. Karlaftis had the second-most defensive snaps for the Chiefs against the Cardinals, trailing only cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. That showed something more important than any statistic, opinion, or analytic grade. That showed Karlaftis has the coaches’ trust. He has the leash to go in-game, make mistakes, and learn. He had that opportunity and trust from the opening snap.

Any reaction to Karlaftis’ debut would be remiss without two key stats: six pressures and one batted pass. Both were tied for the team lead, putting Karlaftis in the same statistical tier as defensive tackle Chris Jones. Jones, Danna, and Karlaftis all recorded six pressures against Arizona, putting all three at the top of the NFL leaderboards for quarterback hurries as well.

Even more telling is Karlaftis’ lead over his fellow peers. No other rookie recorded more than three pressures in Week 1, putting Karlaftis clearly above the others. He not only looked more ready than other rookies but the readiest to contribute now. With Clark’s recurring health issues and Danna’s streaky performance, Karlaftis has the skills, opportunity, and coaches’ trust to succeed in Kansas City. Not only in the long term but now.

Chiefs fans are rightfully bullish on Karlaftis and very excited for his regular-season debut at Arrowhead Stadium. Imagine the crowd roaring as Karlaftis sacks Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert for the very first time. Imagine Furious George making his mark on the Chiefs faithful from the get-go.

Karlaftis has already captured Kansas City’s attention, albeit on the road. His folklore status will only grow with another great performance in Week 2 against the Chargers. For the first time in a while, the Chiefs have real promise in this team’s defensive unit. Young players like Karlaftis, growing and improving, will only ensure that promise is realized year after year.

Week 2 presents another challenge for Karlaftis. But, he is no stranger to such challenges and always comes out on the right side.