NFL coach shocks fans by comparing Panthers rookie to George Karlaftis in a statement no one saw coming.QQ
Carolina’s comparison shows George Karlaftis has become the model for young pass rushers.
The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t draft George Karlaftis because he was the most flexible edge or possessed the greatest length in his class. They drafted the former Purdue pass rusher because he played every snap like it actually mattered. As it turns out, that reputation is spreading.
Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero was asked this week about rookie edge rusher Nic Scourton and what stands out about him. His answer sounded a whole lot like a scouting report Chiefs fans have heard before.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a player, especially at such a young age, play so hard,” said Evero. “Every practice rep, every game rep, he is running and running and running, jumping onto the ball, doing all the little things.”
Later in his session with the reporters on Thursday, Evero was asked about a comparison for Scourton, who the Panthers selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He came up with a familiar name for Chiefs Kingdom: defensive end George Karlaftis.
Carolina’s comparison shows George Karlaftis has become the model for young pass rushers.
“He kind of reminds me of George Karlaftis from Kansas City. They’re very similar in terms of the way they play. Big physical guys. Great motor. Great play style. So that’s the first person that jumps to mind when I think about Nic.”
Scourton was taken at No. 51 overall by the Panthers in this year’s draft, but it feels like he wouldn’t have lasted past Kansas City at No. 63 if he’d slipped that far. Scourton was a popular pick in mock drafts to the Chiefs, given how well he profiles as the sort of powerful defensive end that Steve Spagnuolo appreciates so much.
As for Karlaftis, the Chiefs landed him in the bottom of the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, as part of a draft class that is undoubtedly the best ever put together by general manager Brett Veach. Karlaftis came into the NFL as a powerful pass rusher with a non-stop motor, and he’s been a very effective starter off the edge for Kansas City for four years.
The Chiefs rewarded Karlaftis for his constant efforts earlier this year with a four-year deal worth up to $93 million. The contract extension will keep Karlaftis in Kansas City through the 2030 season. Karlaftis has 5 sacks so far this season and 29.5 through his first three-and-a-half years in the NFL. He’s also ranked among the league leaders in QB pressures this season with 17.
Even though he’s only 24 years old, Karlaftis is already a gold standard for non-stop effort in the NFL. A defensive coordinator who has never worked with him already has him earmarked as an example for similarly motivated players. It wouldn’t be surprising if Karlaftis remains a role model for future young pass rushers over the next several drafts.
