KC Chiefs rookie report: Trent McDuffie struggles against Texans

Skyy Moore, Wide Receiver (Round 2, Pick 54)

For the third consecutive game, Skyy Moore received fewer than three targets after seeing six targets in both Week 11 and 12. He totaled zero targets but had 12 rushing yards and 12 attempts.

It’s becoming clear that Moore will not have a significant role on offense this season. Justin Watson has seen more targets (5) than him (2) over the past three games. He’ll have his 2 or 3 plays a game but it appears that Chiefs fans will have to wait until 2023 to see him as a full-time player on offense.

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

It was a middle-of-the-road game for George Karlaftis against the Texans. He was average against the run, missing a tackle but also recording two defensive stops. In 19 pass-rushing snaps, he had three quarterback hurries. It wasn’t a great or terrible game for the rookie pass rusher, although the tackle issues are beginning to resurface.

George Karlaftis is not having the best rookie season. He’s not quite a starting-caliber pass-rusher yet, but his run defense has been getting better since the bye week. He may completely break out by the time the playoffs begin, or he, of course, may not. We have seen flashes of brilliance by him as he’s batted six passes, tied with Carlos Dunlap for most on the team.

Trent McDuffie, Cornerback (Round 1, Pick 21)

To be perfectly frank, this was Trent McDuffie’s worst game of the season. He missed a tackle in the run game and was burned by Chris Moore for a 34-yard gain, although the coverage was not as bad as one would expect.

As the first pick of an important draft class, there was a lot of pressure on McDuffie to perform and he has so far. It hasn’t been perfect but he’s justified the first-round pick that was used on him. Despite being under six feet tall, he’s broken up several passes and has allowed only 0.62 yards per snap in man coverage. It’s an encouraging sign that he’s only 22 years old and is a reliable player for a Super Bowl-caliber team. He’s only going to get better the more he plays.