For the past three NFL seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs have represented the AFC in the Super Bowl. That fact, combined with nine straight AFC West titles, have earned Andy Reid’s squad an abundance of national attention.
And yet, the Chiefs still manage to have the most overlooked player at their position across the entirety of the National Football League–at least, that’s what ESPN’s Aaron Schatz believes.
On Friday, Schatz listed one player at each position who he felt was the most underrated league-wide. At edge rusher, that player was George Karlaftis.
Since being selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Karlaftis has ended each of his seasons posting at least six sacks. His career-high came in 2023 with 10.5, which was followed up this past year with a mark of 8.0.
While the 24-year-old ended his ’24 campaign with the 26th-most sacks at his position, he was able to record 61 pressures; the 13th-most among all edge rushers during the regular season.
The problem is, Karlaftis was only able to beat his blocker on 10.4% of snaps this past season. That was the lowest percentage among all edge rushers who ranked top-33 in pressure total.
Struggling to beat his blockers has been a common theme for the Purdue alum since entering the NFL. In Year 1, Karlaftis was only able to best his opposition 8.8% of the time. And while that number did jump up considerably in 2023 to 12.7%, it was still a low percentage in comparison to players with similar sack totals.
For reference, among the 21 players who were involved in at least 11 separate sacks in 2023, Karlaftis’ 12.7% win-rate ranked seventh-lowest.
Still, regardless of how it happens, what matters most is results. And with 24.5 sacks over a three-year span, Karlaftis is certainly getting results.
In any case, the AFC West has a promising, young pass-rusher in Kansas City Chiefs EDGE George Karlaftis.
More AFC West, Kansas City Chiefs content
Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders each counting on a rookie WR of their own
Three straight AFC West games for Chargers: Chiefs, Raiders, Broncos
Grading all four AFC West 2025 NFL Draft classes
*Top Photo: USA Today Sports