6 edge rushers the Vikings could select in the 2022 NFL Draft

George Karlaftis (Purdue)

Measurements:

• Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 266 pounds

2021 Stats:

• 39 total tackles (10 for a loss)
• 4.5 sacks
• 4 pass deflections
• 2 fumble recoveries, 1 defensive TD
• 2 forced fumble

Karlaftis might not be the flashiest player in the draft. But whatever you need to be done, Karlaftis is willing to do it.

The 6-foot-2, 275-pounder lined up at defensive end for Purdue the past three seasons. During his time in West Lafayette, Karlaftis collected 14 sacks and 29 tackles for loss. In his junior season, he ranked 12th in the FBS with 54 total pressures and graded 11th among all FBS defensive ends with at least 20 percent of the leader in overall snaps.

The best part about Karlaftis’s game is that they can line him up anywhere. While Thibodeaux is more of an edge rusher, Karlaftis can get to the quarterback in a variety of positions.

You want to line him up as a defensive end? He can do that. You want him to come off the edge? No problem. Can he drop back into coverage? Yep.

For Ed Donatell’s multiple defense, Karlaftis is a tremendous prospect. It’s likely he will be available when the Vikings are on the clock at pick No. 12. If the Vikings like what they see, he has a great chance to be the pick.