Grading every KC Chiefs 2022 rookie at the bye week
George Karlaftis, Defensive End (Round 1, Pick 30)
One of the most pressing needs on the Chiefs heading into last offseason was upgrading the pass rush. The group did not get it done in the AFC Championship and Brett Veach had to do something about it. His primary move to address that concern was drafting Purdue star George Karlaftis.
After he was drafted, Karlaftis was a fairly polarizing player in Chiefs Kingdom, as some people loved the pick (like yours truly) and others thought he was a reach at 30th overall. After a strong preseason performance, many fans thought he was a sleeper for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
I think it’s fair to say that many people may have jumped the gun when it came to George Karlaftis and his 2022 level of play. In 226 pass-rushing snaps, he’s only recorded 0.5 sacks and four quarterback hits. According to Pro Football Focus ($), out of 14 2022 rookie edge rushers with at least 50 pass rush snaps through Week 7, Karlaftis ranks 1st in total pressures and is tied for 1st in batted passes but is 10th in pass rushing grade, 7th in pass-rush productivity (a formula that combines sacks, hits and hurries relative to how many times they rush the passer), 6th in pass rush win, and 11th in sacks. Among the same group of 14 edge rushers, Karlaftis is dead last in run defense grade and has the highest missed tackle rate on run plays.
I am still a staunch believer in George Karlaftis long-term and I definitely would not go back in time and change the pick but he’s also not played as well as other rookies at his position. It’s been known from the beginning that he was relatively raw coming out of college and that he’s still developing as a run defender but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s struggled throughout this season. The flashes of brilliance have been there, although he still searching for the down-to-down consistency of a high-level pass rusher. He has been seeing a lot of playing time, which is a positive sign, although I don’t feel that he’s been great at the same time.
Grade: C