2022 NFL Draft: 5 Underrated prospects to watch out for
By Khari Demos
The 2022 NFL Draft is around the corner, and many boards are up in the air. While some names remain in the Top 10, here are some that may have their names called after that — but could be impact players.
This is one of the more intriguing NFL Draft processes in recent memory. With no clear-cut No. 1 quarterback, a load of edge rushers and offensive tackles, and no clarity on who may be the top pick overall, things could be interesting as the draft begins on April 28th.
As some of the names at the top continue to steal the headlines, here are the ones to watch for outside of the Top 10.
Underrated 2022 NFL Draft prospect #1: George Karlaftis (EDGE) — Purdue
He may not be Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the Athens, Greece native has a freakish skill set for a player of his size. And only playing the game of football since 2014, Karlaftis brings a lot to the table even as a player who’s still developing.
At just over 6-foot-3, and 266-pounds, Karlaftis showed tremendous explosion at the NFL Combine, as he posted a 38-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot, 1-inch broad jump, and a time of 4.36 in the 20-yard shuttle. Those figures combine with excellent tape from the 2021 season, as he was a first-team All-Big Ten selection and was a third-team All-American.
While the numbers don’t show the full picture with Karlaftis — 36 total tackles, 4.5 sacks in 2021 — his tape doesn’t lie. A big-bodied DE that can set the edge in the run just as well as he disrupts QBs, Karlaftis is versatile enough to play off the edge at the five-technique, head up on tackles at the four tech, or even move inside to rush against guards as a three tech.
Just look at his pass-rush win rate from last year, which is above some names that may go ahead of him in the draft.
As Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Travon Walker continue to hear see their names at the top of mock drafts, Karlaftis could be in the next group called. He should most definitely go in the first round, which I predict will happen in the 10-20 range.
Not bad for a former Greek national team water polo player.
Potential team fit: Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have had issues rushing the passer over the past two seasons, tying for 22nd and ranking 14th, respectively, in 2021 and 2020. Baltimore has missed the presences of Za’Darius Smith and Matt Judon, who have both gone on to be Pro Bowlers in other uniforms.
Karlaftis fits the mold of those two mentioned prior, but he also does with some of the best edge defenders the team has had throughout its history.
Whether that’s Terrell Suggs, Adalius Thomas, Trevor Pryce, or even Calias Campbell today, Karlaftis has a similar frame and game as those players, as they could play head up on tackles in 3-4 defenses, but are also capable of moving around the alignment.
The Ravens would be fortunate to get Karlaftis at No. 14. And if they do, they may be adding a future Pro Bowler and long-term starter up front.