Ourlads' Profile:
2022 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about GEORGE KARLAFTIS:
Purdue, 6036 266 4.73. Junior entry, three-year starter, West Lafayette, IN. Began playing football in eighth grade after moving to the United States from Greece. Was a three-time All-Big 10 honoree, including first-team in 2021. The 2019 freshman All-America and 2021 third-team All-America battled injury and Covid-19 in 2020, but in the two seasons where he was healthy, he totaled 28.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks over 24 games. The top-shelf technician is an every down weapon for the defense. His hand fighting and footwork are in complete cohesion with each other and the skill set constantly maximizes his level of impact. Not overly flashy and may not have the elite-level athletic ability in space, but this film-nut and gym-rat is a coach’s dream to work with. His versatility, football intelligence, and ability to produce on all downs in all situations at a high level is something a defensive front can be built around. Has functional thickness and muscle that is well distributed head to toe. Big thighs and rear that generate power on the move, but can also anchor into the ground like a tree. Versatile edge defender that will impact the game against both the pass and run. Great snap anticipation. Will time his initial burst well and get the initial angle advantage. Stays square to the passer while maintaining excellent knee bend and hip swivel. Creates multiple options for himself as he engages the blocker and will adjust on the fly seamlessly. Elite hand-fighter with an array of moves. Coordinates that with his footwork naturally, maximizing his output and timing to the highest degree possible. Has a way of becoming unblocked. Twists, turns, accelerates his way off blocks with natural pull toward the ball. Has a way of finding his way through traffic. Not a natural high-end athlete in space. Has a cap to his speed and burst. Is sometimes too dependent on getting the initial jump advantage and struggles to win when he does not get it. Not a true runner in pursuit, won’t catch a lot of action from behind. Will get a little rounded when changing direction. Often needs the extra step or two. Has a hard time pumping the brakes and bursting out of a break when it comes to unplanned movement when he is near the ball.
2021 stats: 41 T, 11.5 TFL, 5 sacks, 2 PBU, 8 QBH, 3 FF, 1 BK, 1 FR (1 TD). Edge speed:left 2.25, right 1.95. First round. (A-32 5/8, H-10 1/4, BP-21, 10-1.65).