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The Arizona Cardinals have few holes to fill on a roster that won seven-straight games to open up the 2021 campaign. That being said, one glaring hole seems to be a lot bigger than the others, and it could potentially be filled by former Purdue Boilermakers EDGE rusher George Karlaftis.
Karlaftis led the Boilermakers in sacks (5.0), tackles-for-loss (11.5), forced fumbles (3), fumble recoveries (2), and quarterback hurries (8). He was named to the consensus First Team All-Big Ten team, becoming the first Boilermaker defender to do so in nearly a decade. Karlaftis was one of only four Big Ten defenders to force at least three fumbles throughout the 2021 campaign with the biggest being a 56-yard fumble return for a touchdown against Wisconsin on October 23.
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Below, we take a look at Karlaftis, and how he would be the best fit for the Arizona Cardinals, who have the 23rd selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
George Karlaftis Is Best Cardinals Fit in 2022 NFL Draft
3. Won't be required to play in coverage much
With the incredible amount of athleticism the Arizona Cardinals possess at inside linebacker with Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins, there won't be any reason to make Karlaftis play in space, or in coverage. This works heavily in his favor, as Karlaftis would be able to shine where he is best utilized, and that is on the line of scrimmage.
In addition to being a force in the pass rush game, Karlaftis has the raw ability to bull rush linemen back, obliterate tight ends, and set a firm edge in the run game. This would take some of the pressure off of veteran defensive end JJ Watt, and allow the Cardinals to present multiple looks with Karlaftis' ability to play both sides of the field.
2. Newest member of the “Den of Defensive Ends”
At Purdue, where Karlaftis was a 2021 First Team All-American, exists an elite club known as the “Den of Defensive Ends” which was established in 2004. Karlaftis' high motor and tenacity for the game granted him an invite into the prestigious club.
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After an accomplished college career, George Karlaftis is ready to take his talents to the next level. 💪@TheGK3 | @BoilerFootball
📺: 2022 #NFLDraft — April 28-30 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/ah9V9BPdLz
— NFL (@NFL) April 8, 2022
Karlaftis joins twelve other former Boilermakers that have some serious NFL pedigree: Cliff Avril (2004-07), Akin Ayodele (1999-2001), Rosevelt Colvin (1995-98), Ray Edwards (2003-05), Ryan Kerrigan (2007-10), Lamar Lundy (1954-56), Rob Ninkovich (2004-05), Chike Okeafor (1994-96, 1998), Shaun Phillips (2000-03), Anthony Spencer (2003-06), Leo Sugar (1949-51) and Keena Turner (1976-79).
1. The vacancy left by Chandler Jones
The biggest and most obvious reason to bring George Karlaftis to Arizona is the hole left by All-Pro EDGE defender Chandler Jones, who left the Cardinals after signing in free agency with the Las Vegas Raiders. Jones' departure essentially evaporated the reliability of the Cardinals' pass rush, with JJ Watt's growing list of injury concerns and relative unknowns rounding out Arizona's defensive line.
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Bringing Karlaftis in would give a much-needed shot of youth to the position, and set up a potential cornerstone piece of the Cardinals' defense for years to come. Karlaftis, grouped with the likes of Isaiah Simmons, Zaven Collins, Buddah Baker, and Byron Murphy, could help solidify the young core that impressed out of the gate in 2021, before ultimately losing steam through the last ten games of the season.
