With the 30th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Purdue DE George Karlaftis. What will Karlaftis’ rookie contract look like, and where does he project into the Chiefs’ current depth chart?
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George Karlaftis drafted first overall by the Kansas City Chiefs
With their second selection in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Chiefs address their pass rush with Karlaftis. The Chiefs’ focus on Day 1 was entirely on defense, adding Karlaftis to the selection of Trent McDuffie.
Karlaftis’ projected rookie contract
Because Karlaftis was the 30th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, this is what his projected rookie contract should look like. Contract numbers are from Over the Cap.
- Total Value: $13.4 million
- Signing Bonus: $6.9 million
- 2022 Base Salary: $705,000
- 2022 Cap Number: $2.4 million
Karlaftis’ strengths and areas to improve
Here is a snapshot of what the Chiefs will be getting with the selection of Karlaftis. For further information, check out Karlaftis’ full scouting report.
Strengths
- Quick up the field and displays the ability to bend off the edge
- Plays with excellent lean, keeps his feet moving, and shows strength in his lower body
- Fires off the snap out of a three-point stance, plays with terrific pad level, and gets leverage on opponents
Areas for improvement
- Lacks bulk and gets easily washed from the action on running downs
- Can be handled by big offensive tackles
- Sack totals were nothing outstanding
How does Karlaftis project in the Chiefs’ depth chart?
This is the perfect selection for the Chiefs. They desperately need a pass rusher to play opposite Frank Clark this year. Karlaftis is more than capable of earning significant playing time on the Chiefs’ pass-rush depth chart. A combination of Clark, Chris Jones, and Karlaftis is a fascinating combination.
When do the Chiefs pick next in the 2022 NFL Draft?
As of the time they drafted Karlaftis, the Chiefs have these remaining picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
- Round 2 (Pick 50 from Dolphins)
- Round 2 (Pick 62)
- Round 3 (Pick 94)
- Round 3 (Pick 104; Resolution JC-2A)
- Round 4 (Pick 135)
- Round 6 (Pick 191)
- Round 7 (Pick 233 from Vikings)
- Round 7 (Pick 243 from Raiders via Patriots)
- Round 7 (Pick 251)
- Round 7 (Pick 259*)
*Compensatory pick
For the full results and upcoming draft order, check out our pick-by-pick tracker for the 2022 NFL Draft.
