Checking in on KC Chiefs rookies after Week 5

Jaylen Watson, Cornerback (Round 7, Pick 243)

In simple terms, Jaylen Watson had his worst game of the season against the Las Vegas Raiders. Along with rookie safety Bryan Cook, he got beat by superstar Davante Adams late in the 4th quarter on a 48-yard touchdown pass which made it 30-29 Chiefs. In addition to getting beat on the touchdown pass, he was flagged for a questionable defensive pass interference penalty, which gave the Raiders the ball at the Chiefs’ 1-yard line.

To be frank, Jaylen Watson has not played well the past two weeks. One positive is that the Chiefs won both games but Watson did not have his best game in either contest.

Don’t get me wrong, I am still extremely happy with Watson’s development. His pick-six against the Chargers alone made him worth the seventh-round pick that was used on him. I have little doubt that he’ll be starting for the Chiefs over the next three to four years but he will continue to have some growing pains. He’ll have the toughest challenge of his young career when Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and the Buffalo Bills come to Arrowhead for a battle.

George Karlaftis, Defensive End (Round 1, Pick 30)

George Karlaftis finally recorded the first sack of his career on Monday when he and Frank Clark sandwiched Raiders quarterback Derek Carr early in the first quarter. Overall, Karlaftis had a decent but not great night against the Raiders. According to Pro Football Focus ($), he recorded four pressures (1 sack and 3 hurries) in 33 pass-rushing snaps.

Compared to the rest of Chiefs Kingdom, I am lower on George Karlaftis’ rookie season to date. Before having four pressures in 33 pass-rushing snaps against the Raiders, Karlaftis recorded only four pressures on his previous 102 pass-rush snaps in the prior three games. Although he’s had flashes, including a defensive stop on Monday, he’s had a rough year defending the run. He’s also had great moments rushing quarterbacks but has lacked the consistency that the Chiefs want in a pass rusher.

Karlaftis will get better as the season goes on but I don’t think he’s been amazing this season. I was a huge fan of his selection last April, and I still feel that way, but he’s shown a lot of room for growth this season.

Overall, Karlaftis will be a stud pass rusher in the future, he may not be there yet but he will get there. He was a great prospect at Purdue and has shown why he was a first-round selection. The Chiefs nailed the pick but Karlaftis still has a lot to grow, which is a positive since he’s already flashed superstar potential so far this season.