Kansas City Chiefs’ 2022 Draft Class: How McDuffie and Karlaftis Became Defensive Cornerstones

When the Kansas City Chiefs suffered crushing postseason defeats to Tom Brady’s Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV and Joe Burrow’s Bengals in the 2021 AFC Championship, it was clear: their defense needed a major overhaul. Entering the 2022 NFL Draft, general manager Brett Veach had the monumental task of reshaping the defense without compromising the team’s offensive firepower. His solution? Selecting two defensive standouts in the first round: cornerback Trent McDuffie and edge rusher George Karlaftis.

Now, three seasons later, those two selections are a vital part of the Chiefs’ defensive core, with McDuffie and Karlaftis emerging as key pillars that have helped the team dominate the AFC for three consecutive years, including two Super Bowl victories in the last three seasons.

Trent McDuffie: Shutting Down Fields, Not Stats

McDuffie, the 21st overall pick from Washington, has quickly established himself as one of the league’s top cornerbacks. While his career interception tally may be modest, the value he brings as a lockdown corner cannot be overstated. McDuffie excels in zone coverage, often erasing portions of the field. As he has matured, his man-to-man coverage has also seen significant improvement, further solidifying his status as one of the most reliable cornerbacks on the roster.

The Chiefs are now faced with a decision regarding McDuffie’s fifth-year option. Based on his continued development and contributions to the Chiefs’ success, it would be a surprise if they chose to let him go. McDuffie may not be piling up interceptions, but his ability to stifle opposing receivers has played a critical role in the Chiefs’ success, especially in high-pressure postseason games.

George Karlaftis: The Edge Rusher with a Diverse Skillset

Selected just nine picks later at No. 30 overall, Purdue’s George Karlaftis has been nothing short of spectacular. With 24.5 career sacks, Karlaftis ranks as one of the most productive pass rushers from the 2022 draft class, trailing only a handful of top-tier prospects. What sets him apart, however, is his versatility. Karlaftis is not a one-trick pony; his ability to mix up his pass-rush moves, coupled with his relentless motor, has made him an effective and disruptive force on the edge.

As an edge rusher, Karlaftis brings a presence that the Chiefs have desperately needed to complement Chris Jones, their star defensive tackle. With Jones entering the twilight of his career, Karlaftis is primed to take over as the centerpiece of the defensive front in the coming seasons. He has all the tools to evolve into one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers, and the Chiefs are watching him closely as he continues to develop.

A Defensive Evolution: From Question Marks to Cornerstones

When the Chiefs selected McDuffie and Karlaftis, questions about the defense’s future were rampant. Could they finally build a defense that could hold up in big games? Could these two rookies help turn the tide after years of defensive inconsistency? The answer, so far, has been a resounding yes.

McDuffie’s exceptional coverage skills and Karlaftis’ pass-rush prowess have solidified their places as key figures in the Chiefs’ defense. The two players have not only fulfilled but exceeded expectations, playing pivotal roles in a defense that has been a major factor in the Chiefs’ sustained success, including three consecutive AFC Championships and two Super Bowl titles.

As McDuffie heads into his fourth season and Karlaftis continues to refine his craft, the future looks bright for the Chiefs’ defense. These two rising stars have the potential to lead the charge, and as Chris Jones ages, Karlaftis could very well emerge as the new face of the Chiefs’ defensive line in 2025 and beyond.

The 2022 draft class has been a critical turning point for Kansas City, and with McDuffie and Karlaftis in place, the team’s defense is poised to remain one of the league’s most formidable forces for years to come. As the Chiefs continue to build on their dynasty, the foundation laid by these two draft picks will be remembered as a defining moment in their success.