2022 NFL Draft: Grading the Chiefs’ No. 30 pick of George Karlaftis

The Kansas City Chiefs select Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis with the 30th pick of the NFL Draft. How will Karlaftis fare?

When you think about how the Kansas City Chiefs play football, you think of speed, tempo, and urgency. That is exactly how Purdue EDGE rusher George Karlaftis plays the game. Purdue’s success hinged on their best players, and Karlaftis played well in his final year in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Karlaftis has a non-stop motor getting to the quarterback. Don’t get it twisted, however. He has power and speed off of the ball to go with that non-stop motor. In addition, Karlaftis plays with cerebral aggression.

Karlaftis approaches the game, understanding how tackles want to set him up and block him. Sometimes the counter is pure power; sometimes, the counter is an inside or outside rip. Karlaftis got after it, despite facing constant double and occasionally triple teams as the focal point of blocking schemes.

Karlaftis has not played much football, and his best football is in front of him.

How George Karlaftis fits for the Chiefs

The most crucial role for Karlaftis early in his career in Kansas City is as a situational pass rusher. He gives the Chiefs depth on the edge. In addition, Karlaftis can keep Frank Clark on the inside, where he excels.

Karlaftis is an ideal culture fit for the Chiefs with his non-stop motor. With Clark, Chris Jones, and Josh Kaindoh in the rotation, Karlaftis should see plenty of one-on-one ones he has not seen since high school.

The Chiefs got themselves a scheme and culture fit.

Grade: B+