Ravens land star EDGE prospect in recent PFF mock draft

The Baltimore Ravens will need a lot of luck to nab this star pass-rusher in the 2022 NFL Draft. Purdue’s George Karlaftis would immediately improve Baltimore’s pass-rush unit, but only if he falls to them at No. 14.

Most mock drafts have Karlaftis going in the top-five or top-10, but PFF’s Trevor Sikkema has the Ravens taking him with their first-round pick, 14th overall.

Sikkema notes Karlaftis’ freakish athleticism and ability to shed blocks as his main selling points, with many college teams choosing to double or triple-team him to contain the powerful defensive end.

"“The 6-foot-4, 270-pounder has the size and strength to hold up and penetrate off the edge. He won’t be the quickest player or the most flexible edge-bender, but his hands are so violent and fast. He disengaged blocks as quickly as anyone in this class.”"

Karlaftis himself has said there are still many areas of his game he wants to improve, but if he’s available at pick No. 14, the Ravens shouldn’t think twice about drafting him.

The Ravens would get a massive advantage on the edge with George Karlaftis

While Baltimore’s offensive and defensive lines also require attention, the outside linebacker unit shouldn’t be ignored.

Veteran Justin Houston is slated to hit free agency this offseason, and Tyus Bowser tore his Achilles at the end of the 2021 season and may not recover in time for Week 1 of 2022.

The Ravens do have second-year talent Odafe Oweh as a potential star in the making, but Oweh’s production dipped late last season and the youngster will need some help securing the edge.

It seems more likely that Karlaftis will be taken by a team with a higher pick than Baltimore, as his talents would be well-suited for any team in need of a potentially dominant pass-rusher.

All the Ravens can do is keep George Karlaftis on their radar and hope for the best.