Chiefs Draft Reaction: KC Finds Value, Fills Defensive Needs In Round One

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The first night of the 2022 NFL Draft is now in the books. Entering Thursday night, the Kansas City Chiefs held two picks at their disposal in round one. They did indeed make two selections, in the end. However, a slight trade up changed a Chiefs draft narrative, netting Kansas City a player they did not expect to be there. With their other selection, the Chiefs added a defensive end who is tailor-made for this current defensive scheme in Kansas City.

What are the top traits of these two players? What are the questions or possible limitations to this duo? Plus, what could the immediate impact look like from these selections? Let’s kick it off, looking into each player individually from this early part of the 2022 Chiefs draft.

Trent McDuffie- Cornerback, Washington

Top Traits

Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie, selected 21st overall, is a cornerback who can rely on instincts more than anything else. His understanding of route concepts is quite vast. Meanwhile, McDuffie is largely unfazed by most double moves or fakes from wide receivers. When looking at how he reads both the quarterback and the opposing wide receiver, it is extremely difficult to get on top or behind him.

There is also a lot to like about the athletic profile of McDuffie. For example, the Washington cornerback provides sufficient long speed, swift change of direction skills and superb foot fire. On top of that, McDuffie loves to hit and play physical in coverage. He simply makes opponents pay a price for coming into his area.

Limitations

This is definitely a cornerback who will not be highly regarded, when it comes to length and size. Matching up against stronger, bigger bodied wide receivers could be a bit challenging from time to time. Perhaps, McDuffie can make up for that with his physicality, toughness and playmaking ball skills. He is also someone who can move in and out between both the slot and on the outside. Because of that, the size question becomes mitigated by the wide array of which you can utilize him defensively.

Immediate Impact?

Trent McDuffie is likely set to be a day one starter for the Kansas City defense. In the history of the Chiefs draft, he is a breath of fresh air at the cornerback position. He can be a tough defender who challenges opponents in their face, while still remaining under control. On the other hand, McDuffie has the confidence and technique to make plenty of plays on the football early on. As a rookie, he will likely be one of the starting three cornerbacks in Kansas City’s dime package, along with L’Jarius Sneed and Rashad Fenton.

George Karlaftis- Defensive End, Purdue

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Top Traits

Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis, selected 30th overall, is a pass rusher who runs on a constant hot motor. Basically, he is someone who has been heralded for his relentlessness in the defensive front. Karlaftis may be one of the most physically demanding pass rushers in this draft class. His heavy hands and power at the point of attack are both staples of what Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo looks for at the position. For a guy who has not played much football, Karlaftis is quite polished when it comes to his hand technique and pass rush hand counter moves.

This player actually has an interesting background and story. Karlaftis did not play football until he was in eighth grade. He moved to the United States at that age, coming over from Athens, Greece. He primarily played water polo before switching continents. Thus, his quick rise for the Boilermakers was impressive. Karlaftis may also still have most of his best football left ahead of him.

Limitations

This is not a player who is going to provide much bend or flexibility as a pass rusher. When coming off of the corner, Karlaftis wins more with power, or converting speed to power. If you want the Chiefs to add a silky smooth and savvy pass rusher, you will just have to wait. Kansas City may also have to account for average to moderate length that Karlaftis provides. In terms of consistently creating separation for himself upfront, and as a run defender, the Purdue product could be capped on providing that constantly throughout the duration of games.

Immediate Impact?

Looking at the current depth chart for the Chiefs, there is no reason that Kansas City fans cannot expect Karlaftis to start from day one either. He is a perfect schematic fit for this defense. Along with his top traits, Karlaftis projects best inside of an aggressive style defense who loves to time up blitzes at precise or distinct moments. Look no further than what Spagnuolo does. For this Chiefs draft, Karlaftis helps set a new tone at defensive end. That is something that Kansas City has been needing more of in that spot.

The Bottom Line

As stated before the start of the draft, the Chiefs were going to stay true to the value of their board. Kansas City was going to heavily attempt to avoid reaching for a player at a position of need. Not only did they do that, but the Chiefs actually found two players with tremendous value who were selected later than most expected they would be.

As Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said, they “didn’t think he would be there” in the early 20s. Therefore, getting a possible top leader at cornerback is refreshing for Kansas City. We mentioned that one pick changed a Chiefs draft narrative. McDuffie was actually the first cornerback that Veach’s staff selected before the sixth round, since he became GM. Furthermore, he is the first cornerback that Kansas City selected in round one since 2015. Ironically, that was also another cornerback from Washington at 18th overall in Marcus Peters.

The value with Karlaftis should not be discounted as well. With the star-studded top of the EDGE rusher class, many expected some teams to reach for other EDGE players. Yet, the Chiefs stayed in round one with their second first-round pick. Somehow, someway, the Purdue defender dropped around six to twelve spots below where most believed his sweet spot was. For Kansas City to walk away with two players who were rated extremely high on most people’s boards is one thing. However, the fact that they fill the top two defensive needs and found players who could be immediate contributors makes this a thrilling start for the 2022 Chiefs draft.

For more 2022 NFL Draft and Kansas City Chiefs analysis, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.