Purdue star defensive end George Karlaftis has visited the Arizona Cardinals, according to a league source. Karlaftis has also worked out privately for the Philadelphia Eagles and met with the New York Jets.
George Karlaftis and where he might be selected in the 2022 NFL Draft1
Purdue’s Karlaftis (6’3 6/8″, 266 pounds) ranks first in quarterback hits (14) and in the vertical leap at 38 inches, and second in pressures (54), hurries (35), the short shuttle (4.34), and weight in comparison to fellow edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan), Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon), Travon Walker (Georgia), Jermaine Johnson II (Florida State), and David Ojabo (Michigan).
Karlaftis ran the 40-yard dash in 4.71 to 4.76 seconds at the Purdue Pro Day, insisting that he run outside in frigid, 30-degree weather conditions in front of 30 NFL teams.
Karlaftis had 18 formal meetings at the NFL Combine, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Jets, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Eagles, per a league source. He’s regarded as a strong candidate for multiple teams. This includes the Vikings, Jets, and Eagles, with a wide range of projections throughout the first round.
‘The tape speaks for itself’
Karlaftis gets high marks from scouts for power, pass-rushing repertoire, athleticism, and character. As mentioned, the former Boilermaker had a 38-inch vertical leap at the NFL Scouting Combine. In addition, Karlaftis bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times with a 4.34 short shuttle.
Karlaftis was a first-team All-Big Ten selection and a third-team All-American. He had 5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and a touchdown last season.
“The tape speaks for itself,” Karlaftis said. “If they had an idea of what type of guy I am in terms of character, I think this kind of verifies that.”
A native of Athens, Greece, having graduated in three years, Karlaftis had 17.5 sacks in his senior year of high school at West Lafayette High School. In 2019, he was a second-team All-Big Ten Conference selection with 54 tackles, 17 for losses, 7.5 sacks, and 1 interception. He was voted second-team All-Conference again despite limited time due to injuries and COVID-19.
Karlaftis models his game after several NFL stars
Karlaftis models his game after the Los Angeles Chargers’ Khalil Mack and also studies the Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt, the Los Angeles Rams’ Aaron Donald, the Cardinals’ J.J. Watt, and Ryan Kerrigan, a fellow Purdue alum.
“Relentless,” Karlaftis said in describing his style of play. “That’s how I approach life, how I approach the game. In terms of my technique, in terms of how I play, my motor, my effort. You’re trying to [get to] the quarterback every single time. You got to be relentless. You’re out there fighting for food basically. You’re like a lion trying to get after a gazelle.”
Kerrigan is a mentor to Karlaftis.
“He’s been great for me, a mentor for sure. Someone that I can go to freely and ask him questions about the game, about life, what the NFL’s all about, how to conduct my business,” Karlaftis said. “He’s been a great help and a good friend, too.”
Because Karlaftis participated in water polo, it built his strength, especially in his lower body.
“It gave me strong legs,” he said. “That’s something I would take away from it. I was practicing with grown men there, no exaggeration. I was playing against better competition, kind of like you do from going from high school to college. It taught me long hours and to grind for what you want.
“A lot of guys like to bench press. I’ve always been a lower-body guy. That’s where your explosiveness comes from, from your hips. I’m never going to bench press someone. All your power comes from your legs.”
When asked what he would say to anyone who views him as more of a power player as opposed to an athletic edge rusher, Karlaftis replied: “Turn on the tape.”