NFL Draft 2022: 5 best picks of the first round

TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 5: Defensive End Jermaine Johnson II #11 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on September 5, 2021 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Fighting Irish defeated the Seminoles 41 to 38 OT. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

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LINCOLN, NE – OCTOBER 30: Defensive end George Karlaftis #5 of the Purdue Boilermakers prepares to rush against running back Rahmir Johnson #14 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

3. George Karlaftis to Chiefs at No. 30

Plenty of Chiefs fans were anxious to see their team find a replacement for Tyreek Hill in Round 1, but the value just wasn’t there at wide receiver for Kansas City at No. 30. Credit the team’s front office for making the smart pick in the form of Karlaftis.

The former Purdue standout isn’t everyone’s idea of a perfect pass rusher because he’s not a blur off the edge. Instead, he consistently finds a way to pressure the opposing quarterback using power and excellent technique from his defensive end position.

That power allows him to profile as a solid run defender at the next level. The Chiefs need that kind of two-way production from their edge players. Their front office wisely looked past Karlaftis’ lack of speed to focus on what he does at a high level. His power and motor make him a really promising prospect.

It might take Karlaftis a little bit of time to find his feet at the next level, but he should be a strong pass rush option for the Chiefs by the time the postseason rolls around. He may never be a superstar but he’ll be a solid starter for a long time in Kansas City.

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