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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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Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) I Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) I Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

Bryan Cook, Safety (Round 2, Pick 62)

Bryan Cook only played 27% of the defensive snaps and it was fairly quiet, but not uneventful. He played 17 coverage snaps, was targeted thrice, only allowed 1 yard, and had a pass breakup. He also missed a tackle while playing in coverage.

Bryan Cook only played 19 snaps on Sunday, after playing 31 on Christmas Eve. Juan Thornhill and Justin Reid have both been very good since the game against the Cincinnati Bengals, so it’s unlikely we see his role expanded this season, barring an injury. He’ll likely remain the third safety through the playoffs.

Leo Chenal, Linebacker (Round 3, Pick 103)

After three straight solid outings, Leo Chenal took a step back against the Broncos and had a little bit of a stinker. He was beaten up in his limited run game defense snaps, although he made a good play on Denver fullback Andrew Beck on his only target in coverage, allowing no yards after the catch.

It may have been a small step back, but Leo Chenal has been excellent over the past two months, especially in the running game, and he hasn’t missed a single tackle. He was scouted as a strong run defender and a player who needed work in coverage, but he’s been a great run defender as of late and has been an excellent tackler. He was considered a project coming into the year and it appears that he’s beginning to find his stride. He’ll be a key depth player heading into the playoffs.

Isiah Pacheco, Running Back (Round 7, Pick 251)

As a whole, it was a very quiet game for Isiah Pacheco. Granted, the Chiefs don’t like to run the football, so he only racked up 31 yards on nine carries, plus a rushing touchdown. He also had two catches for 18 yards. He and Jerick McKinnon are the primary running backs for this team, with a little bit of Ronald Jones being sprinkled in every once in a while. Andy Reid needs to increase the frequency of running plays a little bit as Pacheco is a good player and makes the Chiefs’ offense better when he gets rolling. He has had an issue taking care of the football this season (fumbling four times) and needs to continue developing as a pass protector, but he’s been a great pick otherwise.

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