Despite only playing in three games last season, George Karlaftis entered the 2021 seasons one of the top edge rushers in the 2022 NFL Draft class. His play this season has been fantastic, holding his draft stock firmly in the top ten. While he might not be the best edge rusher in this class, I still have him in the top three, and by a wide margin. In this 2022 NFL Draft scouting report, we’ll breakdown what George Karlaftis does so well, what his athleticism (including his 40 time) will look like, as well as how his skills and abilities will translate into the NFL.
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George Karlaftis 40 Time
George Karlaftis should run a 40 time in the 4.76 range at the 2022 NFL Combine in March. This would put Karlaftis well within the league average for the defensive end position in the NFL. Even if he runs a slower time than what I predict, I don’t think it’ll move the needle much for NFL scouts. George Karlaftis isn’t the type of defensive end that wins with his speed, as evidenced in his game film. Rather, he wins with strength and a full utility belt to keep offensive linemen guessing.
George Karlaftis Injury History
George Karlaftis only played in three games last season following a left leg injury, as well as a positive Covid-19 test. However, Purdue’s season was rocked due to the coronavirus, resulting in a six-game season. Had the Boilermakers played a full season, it’s likely that George Karlaftis would have been able to return to the field in 2020. This season, Karlaftis has been healthy and has not missed a game.
George Karlaftis Scouting Report
Pros
- Has A Wide Tackle Range When Attack The Ball Carrier
- Pro-Ready Defender That Has A Full Utility Belt To Beat Linemen
- Does A Great Job Of Shedding Blocks And Attacking At The Line of Scrimmage
Cons
- Lacks Quickness To Attack Ball Upfield Or Across The Field
- Doesn’t Possess Elite-Level Bend And Body Lean Around Edge
- Needs To Improve His Contact Balance When Rushing From The Edge
George Karlaftis is a three-year starter for the Purdue Boilermakers. Karlaftis is a defensive end for the Boilermakers and is typically used to set the edge. He has good height and solid weight for the defensive end position in the NFL. Our projected 40 time for him is also solid as it falls within the league average for the position.
Karlaftis has good strength to bully through the offensive line while maintaining leverage throughout. Possesses very good tackle range to bring ball carriers down behind the line of scrimmage. Displays a good ability to plug running lanes and keeping a low pad level at the point of attack inside. He’s also very good at shedding blocks and attacking the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage on runs outside the tackle box. His use of hands to stun the offensive line and penetrate the pocket is very good. He has a full utility belt to beat offensive linemen with use of hands, spins, and stunts. He’s a high-motor player that doesn’t give up on plays and continues until the whistle blows.
He has an adequate quickness to get upfield or across the field to attack the ball carrier. Possesses an adequate bend and body lean to beat offensive linemen around the edge with quickness. Displays an adequate contact balance to remain upright through contact when rushing the passer.
George Karlaftis NFL Draft Projection
George Karlaftis is one of the three-best EDGE rushers in the 2022 NFL Draft class. In my opinion, he’s a pro-ready defender that is capable of playing at a high-level on day one. While he is an EDGE rusher, I see him solely playing the defensive end position in the NFL. He doesn’t beat offensive linemen with quickness, but does so with strength and well-timed hand placement and elusiveness.
I currently have George Karlaftis ranked in the top ten of our 2022 NFL Draft Top 200 Big Board. If he declares for the 2022 NFL Draft, which I predict that he will do, he’s certain to be drafted in the top fifteen picks. However, I would be surprised if he makes it out of the top ten. It’s my belief that George Karlaftis best fits in the NFL as a 3-4 defensive end, although I do believe that he could play the same position in a 4-3 defense. If he does declare for the 2022 NFL Draft, the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, or Atlanta Falcons are all perfect fits.
