While quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense stole the headlines following a 44-21 victory in Week 1 over Arizona, the defense put some nice numbers as well. One of those is rookie defensive end George Karlaftis, who’s quickly growing into his NFL nickname – Furious George.
General manager Brett Veach had plenty of talented players to choose from when picking at 30th overall in the first round of the draft last spring. Ultimately, Veach chose the Greece native that spent his college career at Purdue, where he learned to play football and became a monstrous pass rusher.
In conclusion of the Chiefs’ season opener, Karlaftis is already looking like a draft-day steal after putting up some gaudy numbers against the Cardinals.
According to Pro Football Focus, Karlaftis recorded six pressures on Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. No other rookie finished last week with more than three pressures. The rookie defensive end also had one batted pass and finished with five hurries last Sunday.
That’s not bad for a player that was projected to fall out of the first round entirely. Karlaftis’ will have an opportunity to wreak even more havoc in Week 2 when the Chiefs host the Chargers on Thursday Night Football.
