101. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Kansas City Chiefs
When most people talk about the Kansas City Chiefs’ pass rush, they start and end with Chris Jones, and that’s justified to a degree, as Jones in on a future Hall of Fame pace. But in doing so, they’re short-changing George Karlaftis, who has become one of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s most important pieces over the last two seasons.
The 30th overall pick in the 2022 draft has been quite consistent throughout his NFL career. After posting an eight-sack, 49-pressure rookie season in just 536 pass-rushing snaps, Karlaftis had 15 sacks and 83 total pressures in 605 pass-rushing reps in 2023, and 12 sacks with 76 total pressures in 644 pass-rush snaps in 2024.
At 6’4” and 264 pounds, Karlaftis isn’t the “bendiest” edge-rusher on the planet, but he’s learned to use the attributes he does have, like fundamental strength, speed to the pocket, and relentless effort to the quarterback, to maximize his potential. With 30 stops last season, Karlaftis is more than just a quarterback disruptor, as well – he’s become a complete defender at the highest possible level.