5 rookies from 2022 NFL Draft who could breakout in NFL playoffs

George Karlaftis

Another rookie who has really improved over the second half of the season is defensive end George Karlaftis with the Kansas City Chiefs. Karlaftis was the 30th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and has started every game this season for the Chiefs.

However, it wasn’t until the second half that he really started to generate pressure on the quarterback. He had only 0.5 sacks and 5 QB hits in the first 10 games but in the final seven games Karlaftis has had 5.5 sacks and 6 QB hits.

The Chiefs have a bye in the first round of the playoffs but if they are going to get to the Super Bowl, they are going to have to beat some great quarterbacks, like Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, or Justin Herbert. It is going to be important for the Kansas City defense to get pressure on those quarterbacks and George Karlaftis will be a big part of their success or lack thereof.