It seems like the Edge class is the deepest position group each year at the NFL Draft. With pass rush at a premium, NFL front offices spend all hours of the day trying to find the right fit for their defense. The 2022 NFL Draft shouldn’t be any different, with Purdue EDGE George Karlaftis helping to lead the way. In fact, we recently listed Karlaftis in the top ten of our 2022 NFL Draft Big Board.
It’s still very early in the process, but it’s difficult to believe that NFL franchises haven’t already taken notice. In fact, as evidenced below, Karlaftis led all defenders in week one of the College Football season.
George Karlaftis led ALL defenders with 8 QB pressures in Week 1💪
Top-40 player in the '22 NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/r4WUHPCXnK
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 5, 2021
Due to a pandemic-shortened season, in which he contracted Covid-19, we didn’t see much of George Karlaftis in 2020. Despite this, he still finished the season with four total tackles and two sacks in just two games. If he can get back to his 2019 form, in which he had 7.5 sacks and 54 total tackles, Purdue Edge George Karlaftis could easily find himself being selected in the top-ten of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Competition In The 2022 NFL Draft Class
However, he will have plenty of competition at the position. Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux, who exited the season-opener with an ankle sprain, figured to be at the top of the class. Additionally, another Pac-12 edge rusher is USC’s Drake Jackson. Both of these pass rushers are predicted to come off the 2022 NFL Draft board in the top-fifteen. Furthermore, Ohio State’s Zach Harrison also turned heads in his season debut on Thursday against Minnesota. Regardless, George Karlaftis is still a top-ten pick in this class.
Be sure to follow NFL Draft Lounge for more coverage on George Karlaftis, Purdue, and the 2022 NFL Draft EDGE class. As always, you can find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.