ARIZONA CARDINALS

Arizona Cardinals met with Purdue’s George Karlaftis last week, per report

Apr 11, 2022, 9:56 AM

The Arizona Cardinals hosted Purdue Boilermakers edge rusher George Karlaftis for a visit last week, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Monday morning.

The 6-foot-4, 275-pounder is a projected first-round talent in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft.

In 12 games played with the Boilermakers last season, the junior lineman tallied 4.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Karlaftis was linked to the Cardinals early on this offseason, with the edge rusher heading to Arizona in ESPN analyst Mel Kiper’s first mock draft of the year.

In Todd McShay’s most recent mock draft released last week, the ESPN analyst has Karlaftis going No. 24 to the Dallas Cowboys, with the Cardinals opting for Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks at No. 23.

Among the Cardinals’ biggest offseason needs, adding another edge rusher to the fold is right up there at the top following outside linebacker Chandler Jones’ departure to the Las Vegas Raiders this free agency.

As of Monday morning, Arizona’s outside linebackers room includes Markus Golden, Dennis Gardeck, Devon Kennard and second-year pro Victor Dimukeje.

Of the four, Golden is the team’s lone returning starter on the outside, leading all Cardinals defenders with 11 sacks to go along with 44 pressures last season.

NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein considers Karlaftis “a future starter as a strong-side defender in an even or odd front.”

He’s a lift-and-leverage run defender at the point of attack but fits into a “team defender” column more than “premium run-stopper” category. He’s a force-based rusher with anchor-busting power and the ability to get to his counters when the rush begins to stall. With just two full seasons under his belt, there will be more development headed Karlaftis’ way.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Christian Matthew at training camp...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals release CB Christian Matthew, 2 others from 53-man roster

The Arizona Cardinals released cornerbacks Kris Boyd and Christian Matthew and offensive lineman Ilm Manning on Monday.

3 hours ago

Presented By...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Why Arizona fans should be optimistic after weekend of Cardinals, Diamondbacks losses

It was a weekend of losses for sports teams across the Valley, including Team U.S.A. in the Ryder Cup, but Dan Bickley explains why Arizona sports fans should be optimistic heading into a new week. Video: Felisa Cárdenas/Arizona Sports Presented By

8 hours ago

Michael Wilson celebrates...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals still show progress despite lopsided loss to 49ers

The scoreboard read in favor of the 49ers, but there were still positives to take away from the Cardinals' third loss of 2023.

22 hours ago

Joshua Dobbs attempts a pass...

Arizona Sports

Rapid Reactions: Plenty for Cardinals to build off of after Week 4 loss to 49ers

Arizona Sports’ hosts, reporters and editors share their main takeaways from the Cardinals’ Week 4 loss to the 49ers.

23 hours ago

Jonathan Gannon runs off the field...

Dan Bickley

Jonathan Gannon, Cardinals earning respect even in defeat

For a guy with one victory as an NFL head coach, Jonathan Gannon is enjoying a lengthy honeymoon in Arizona. He deserves it.

23 hours ago

Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals rookie Michael Wilson has a big day in the Bay

Arizona Cardinals rookie receiver and Stanford product Michael Wilson recorded his first touchdown catch of his NFL career against the 49ers.

1 day ago

Arizona Cardinals met with Purdue’s George Karlaftis last week, per report