3. George Karlaftis, DE - 2022
These next two spots require some projection, but I think it's safe to say that George Karlaftis was a home-run pick at No. 30. He's played in the NFL for two years and has two Super Bowl wins, breaking out in 2023 with 47 tackles and 10.5 sacks to help give the Chiefs the league's best defense.
Alongside Chris Jones, Charles Omenihu, Mike Danna and (hopefully) Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Karlaftis is part of perhaps the most ferocious defensive line in football and certainly one of its most accomplished. He had 6.5 sacks in his rookie campaign with two fumble recoveries, though the huge step he took his second year implies his best days have yet to come.
George Karlaftis looks like he is shot out of a cannon. The RT stands now chance against his speed. #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/cMtRNzwSV7
— Nick Jacobs (@Jacobs71) January 31, 2024
Believe it or not, Karlaftis is already tied for the fourth-most playoff sacks in Chiefs history with four. He had three in the playoffs this year with two fumble recoveries, routinely blowing up plays behind the line of scrimmage and harassing a bevy of talented QBs.
Furious George is in line for a monster payday after this next season, and I imagine Brett Veach will do everything in his power to keep the former Penn State star in Chiefs red for years to come.
For now, Karlaftis is one of the most promising young defenders in the NFL and helps form a masterclass 2022 rookie group alongside the next player on this list.