CMA Awards 2023: 10 Chiefs Midseason Arrowhead Awards
By Joe Summers
3. Chiefs Defensive Player of the Year - George Karlaftis, DE
I nearly gave Karlaftis the MVP award, which is a testament to Brett Veach's incredible haul in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He took Karlaftis just eight picks after McDuffie, laying the foundation for the Chiefs' defense for years to come.
Karlaftis has been one of the NFL's best pass rushers by any conceivable measure, and his improvement may change Kansas City's long-term plans. I'm not sure anyone expected him to be this good, this quickly.
When I said shades of Tamba Hali, I was not kidding. This was such a clean rush from #Chiefs DE George Karlaftis. Attacks the football and gets the strip sack. π€π€π€ pic.twitter.com/AaEvp4qWLD
β Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) October 31, 2023
The man they call "Furious George" leads the Chiefs in sacks (6) and is tied for eighth in the entire NFL in pressures (23), already eclipsing his pressure total from last season (21).
He's been outstanding for an elite defense, even outperforming Chris Jones over the course of the year.
Karlaftis is pacing above the other pass rushers from his draft class and ranks among the most-accomplished, highest-paid defensive players in the NFL.
If he keeps this up, Karlaftis will be in line for a contract exceeding $100 million within a couple of years.
Now, let's get into some fun awards, shall we?