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KC Chiefs rookie report: George Karlaftis’s sack streak is impressive

By Lucas Strozinsky

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 01: George Karlaftis #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos during the second quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 01: George Karlaftis #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos during the second quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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How did the rookies on the Kansas City Chiefs play in the 27-24 victory over the Denver Broncos?

The Kansas City Chiefs have improved to 13-3 with their shaky Week 17 victory against the Denver Broncos. Which rookies saw playing time against Denver and how did those players perform?

The Chiefs selected ten players in this 2022 NFL Draft, with nine of them making the final roster after training camp, and eight have seen playing time on offense or defense so far this season. Despite making the final roster, Darian Kinnard has only dressed for one game this season, in which he only saw six snaps on special teams, and Nazeeh Johnson is on the practice squad but has dressed in ten games this season, playing only special teams snaps.

Here are the snap counts for every rookie in Week 17:

  • Trent McDuffie, CB: 75 total snaps (70 defensive and 5 special teams)
  • Jaylen Watson, CB: 58 defensive snaps (48 defensive and 10 special teams)
  • Leo Chenal, LB: 46 total snaps (22 defensive and 24 special teams)
  • George Karlaftis, EDGE: 40 total snaps (36 defensive and 4 special teams)
  • Bryan Cook, S: 39 total snaps (19 defensive and 20 special teams)
  • Isiah Pacheco, RB: 32 total snaps (27 offensive and 5 special teams)
  • Joshua Williams, CB: 28 total snaps (14 defensive and 14 special teams)
  • Skyy Moore, WR: 15 offensive snaps
  • Nazeeh Johnson, S: 10 special teams snaps

Joshua Williams, Cornerback (Round 4, Pick 135)

For the second consecutive game, Joshua Williams was whistled for two penalties on the same drive, one of which took a Nick Bolton interception off the board. He only played 14 defensive snaps in the victory over Denver, with 12 of them being in coverage. He was only targeted once and did not allow a reception. Two penalties in 14 snaps is rough and he’s now been called for four penalties over his past 30 snaps. He’s been struggling over the past couple of months, but I also feel that he’s playable when the playoffs roll around.

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

In just 15 offensive snaps, Skyy Moore was targeted four times and recorded three catches for 33 yards. He also dropped a Patrick Mahomes pass early in the second half, his first of his NFL career, which was shortly followed by a Tommy Townsend punt. It was a more eventful game for Moore than he had for the past month as he had 33 yards on Sunday, compared to just 12 over the previous four games. Justin Watson again out-snapped Moore (22 to 15) but the latter was more efficient, recording 3.00 yards per route run, compared to 1.80 for Watson.

The odds of Skyy Moore seeing a regular role this season are growing slim. He still has serious talent and potential, but for various reasons, Andy Reid and Co. have been hesitant to expand his duties and target share. We may have to wait until next season for Skyy’s breakout campaign.

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