The New York Jets cannot afford to overlook edge defender George Karlaftis
Beyond the top two edge rushers in the 2022 NFL draft—Michigan’s Aiden Hutchinson and Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux—Purdue’s George Karlaftis initially headlined the “next batch.”
This headline led New York Jets fans to quickly develop opinions on the player. These hot fan-takes especially came fast and furious once it was understood that Hutchinson and Thibodeaux might be out of play.
Fast-forward to today, and suddenly, the edge options seem more plentiful.
The full Jet X member-only video is near the bottom of this page and can also be seen on the Blewett's Blitz homepage (if you're a paid member and logged in).
While Hutchinson is expected to be long gone, Thibodeaux may be there for Joe Douglas at No. 4. Karlaftis, the man of the hour, will most definitely be there at No. 4. But the Purdue product is an option for New York at No. 10.
How it all shakes out is greatly dependent upon how the Jets attack their two top-10 picks in conjunction. Today, we dig deep into the kid’s collegiate film to find out what he has to offer.
Does Karlaftis deserve the hype? Is he being overvalued due to the Jets fans’ desperate “want” for an edge rusher? Is he a real option at pick 10 (or even No. 4)? What is his ceiling?
All these questions (and more) are answered on the latest edition of Blewett’s Blitz, as we break down over an hour of George Karlaftis game tape.
YouTube clip and podcast episode
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths
- Upper-tier power
- Hand technique
- Quick to transition from playing run to pass
- Short change of direction
- Speed to power
- High effort
- Active hands
- Very aware of best immediate angle to take to get to QB at any point during pass rush rep
- Great footwork to shorten/reduce angles to QB
- Knows how to take advantage of stride length while rushing
- Counter moves
- Accuracy of hands
- First step explosion
- Good explosion vertically
- Softens edge with angles and power
- Quick punch/hands
- Array of pass rush moves including bull-rush, long arms, chops, spins, swipes, arm overs, clubs, bull-jerks and crossovers
- Stacks moves
- Stacks with shock and sheds well
- Reads offensive lineman well
- Consistent leg drive
- Shoots gaps in run game
- Flexibility for size (don’t confuse with bend)
- Condensed moves
- Direct bull rush angles
- Links hands and feet
- Ankle flexion
Weaknesses
- Bend
- Tackle Radius
- Lateral Agility
- Lower ceiling than some other top edge rushers
- Can take him an extra step to “corner”
- Can play high
- Can struggle to disengage due to length
- Caught out of position vs. read-option
- Slowed to slow down and change direction or get lateral in open field
- Can time spin move better
- Can use counter spin move too often
Full member-only breakdown
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Been thinking that if we somehow pull off a trade for one of the top receivers – using both our 2’s – we take Sauce at 4 and best pass rusher available at 10. Johnson or Karlaftis most likely. If we love Karlaftis we should take Sauce at 4 I think in this scenario.
Someone mentioned a trade with Philly trading 10 and 38 for 19 and 20.
Leaves us with 4 19 20 35 in the 1st two rounds.
S Hamilton DE Karfalitis C Lindenbaum and wr WR Olave would be a home run
I’m concerned that Karlaftis and Tavon Walker will be gone by 10. The thing to also keep in mind is that Karlaftis is only 20 years old, and took up football a little later than a lot of other guys. Jermaine Johnson is 23. He’s had a lot more time to develop both his body and his game. Kayvon Thibodeaux and Travon Walker are 21.
If it’s Thibs, Karlaftis and Walker at #4, who do you like? The key for Saleh is going to be, who loves football the most?
I’d like to see you do a breakdown of Walker.
Hey Jonathan! The Walker Review has already been done! Just waiting to post it.
I think realistically the pick (if all 3 were available) it would be between Thibs and Walker due to ceiling. If they’re comfortable with Thib (red flags etc) then they take him. If not it’s Walker.