The Athletic Ranks Purdue Defensive End George Karlaftis No. 11 NFL Draft Prospect for 2022

Purdue junior defensive end George Karlaftis posted 54 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks as a freshman in 2019. Despite appearing in just three games last year, he is one of the top NFL Draft prospects for the upcoming season.

Author:
D.J. Fezler
Publish date:
Aug 29, 2021 11:07 AM EDT

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — With the 2022 NFL Draft less than eight months away, The Athletic's Dane Brugler put together a list of his top-50 players in college football that are eligible to be selected.

Among some of the best prospects in the nation, Brugler ranked Purdue junior defensive end George Karlaftis at No. 11 overall. That would make him a projected first-round pick.

After appearing in just three games last season, Karlaftis is eager to put together a strong season for the Boilermakers. A dominant year that exceeds his freshman season could pave the way for the 6-foot-4, 275-pound edge defender to pursue professional football.

"Last season did not go as planned for Karlaftis due to injuries and the pandemic. However, his freshman season (17 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks) showed a charged-up, powerful rusher with straight-line explosion and violent hands," Brugler wrote. "With opponents like Notre Dame, Minnesota, Iowa and Ohio State on the Purdue schedule, Karlaftis will have plenty of opportunities to show why he belongs in the top half of round one."

KARLAFTIS IMPROVING LEADERSHIP: There's no denying George Karlaftis' impact on the football field. But the Purdue junior defensive end has taken it upon himself to become a better leader ahead of the 2021 college football season. CLICK HERE
KARLAFTIS NAMED AP SECOND-TEAM PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN: The Associated Press announced its 2021 preseason All-America teams Monday. Purdue junior defensive end George Karlaftis was named a second-team defensive selection. CLICK HERE
KARLAFTIS RANKS AMONG TOP 100 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYERS: Junior defensive end George Karlaftis was the lone Purdue player on ESPN's top 100 college football players ahead of the 2021 season. He came in at No. 71 after starting just three games for the Boilermakers last year. CLICK HERE
KARLAFTIS RANKED AMONG TOP 30 BIG TEN PLAYERS: Big Ten Network analyst Joshua Perry has unveiled most of his top 30 football player in the Big Ten Conference. Coming in at No. 6 was Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis. CLICK HERE
KARLAFTIS NAMED SECOND-TEAM PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN: Purdue junior defensive end George Karlaftis has earned several preseason honors ahead of the 2021 season. He'll look to lead the Boilermakers in hopes of returning to dominant form after playing in just three games last year. CLICK HERE
GEORGE KARLAFTIS NAMED ALL-AMERICA SECOND TEAM BY THE ATHLETIC: George Karlaftis was the lone Purdue football player named to The Athletic's 2021 preseason All-America teams. As a freshman, he recorded 54 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. CLICK HERE
KARLAFTIS NAMED COLLEGE FOOTBALL "FREAK": George Karlaftis was tearing up Big Ten defenses as a freshman in 2019. He enters the upcoming season as one of the most physically talented athletes in the country, according to Bruce Feldman. CLICK HERE