Karlaftis is KC’s rising edge presence, a key partner to Jones in sustaining a robust pass rush. With Jones drawing attention inside and Omenihu back from knee issues, Karlaftis is positioned to push the sack total higher and keep KC’s defense as a top‐tier fantasy factor.

Karlaftis blends Brazilian jiu-jitsu into his Chiefs edge-rush craft, leveraging grappling-based leverage and ground-control work to improve hand-fighting and finishing. He signed a four-year, $93 million extension after posting eight sacks in 2024, and is positioned as a cornerstone of KC’s defensive arc alongside a young, ambitious rookie class.

Karlaftis remains a core edge presence, with development feeding KC’s defensive upside. His continued growth influences how KC pressures the pocket and sets the tone for the pass rush, a factor for fantasy managers tracking KC’s defensive line.

Karlaftis anchors KC’s edge pressure in a rotation that includes Tillery and Danna. With Anudike-Uzomah out for the season, Karlaftis will shoulder more snaps, and the defense will lean on his ability to harass quarterbacks while the interior clogs the middle to stop the run.

Karlaftis is highlighted as a cornerstone edge for KC, his quickness and power underpinning the Chiefs’ push on passing downs and domain on run defense. He’s a barometer for how KC’s front-four can pressure in the absence of a fully settled rotation.