As the term indicates, some players have had a steady drumbeat this preseason. Maybe it started right after the NFL Draft. Maybe it started in late July. But, for some players, we've heard nothing but good news and good reports (and even bad news and reports from their competition for playing time). And now, it's obvious they are ready to excel.
We asked our staff to name one player whose drumbeats are loud and clear. A player they thought would fit into a role and has given multiple indications of that happening.
Here are their answers.
Tripp Brebner
DE George Karlaftis, Kansas City
The Chiefs needed a starter at defensive end in Spring 2022. For a prospective edge defender, Purdue alumnus George Karlaftis needed a suitor that wouldn't make elite speed and bend resumé requirements 1 through 5. Karlaftis's combination of power, footwork and motor fit the bill in Kansas City. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's pass rush focuses on "crushing the pocket."
George Karlaftis pushed two offensive linemen into the Washington Commanders' QB and collected his second sack in two games, a highlight of the Chiefs' preseason. His power and motor, traits that infrequently translate from college to NFL football, have stood out in preseason games and reportedly throughout training camp.
George Karlaftis started and left the field early in Kansas City's third preseason game, indicating he'll be a starter on opening day. He'll help fuel a pass rush that expects to play downhill in 2022 to complement an explosive offense led by Patrick Mahomes II.
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Kyle Bellefeuil
S Nick Cross, Indianapolis
After losing Khari Willis to retirement this offseason, Indianapolis Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley had a glaring hole to fill at strong safety. With an uninspiring depth chart, many IDP enthusiasts (myself included), thought their third-round pick, Nick Cross, could be the player who steps up to fill the vacant role. So far, the rookie has been as advertised.
Cross has been a standout in training camp, and his stellar play has transitioned fluidly to game action. Cross has earned an impressive 90.8 defensive grade in two preseason games per Pro Football Focus. Another encouraging stat for us IDP managers is the fact Cross has played 21 of his 40 defensive snaps up in the IDP-friendly box area. Cross seems to be running away with the starting strong safety role and looks like a strong dynasty and redraft asset.
Christian Williams
OLB Kyle Van Noy, LA Chargers
Money typically talks, and the Chargers didn't dish out a ton to Kyle Van Noy. But before training camp, rumblings about Van Noy's role in the Chargers' defense were loud. They coveted Van Noy for his versatility, and he has shown off an ability to excel in a diverse role. Now, reports of a "secret role" indicate heavy usage all over the second level, with Van Noy consistently setting the edge and blowing up a run play before dropping into coverage and snagging an interception. Van Noy hasn't returned to form since leaving New England in 2019, but he should be an excellent value pick in 2022.
Joseph Haggan
S Brandon Jones, Miami
I'm beating to the drum for Jones. He had a mini breakout last year with 79 tackles. What was most impressive was his ability to pass rush though. His 5 sacks were two more than any other defensive back in the NFL. Jones also racked up 17 pressures. He graded out with an amazing 77.6 pass-rush grade per Pro Football Focus. Jones lives in the defensive back sweet spot. He was the box safety, playing 61.5% of his snaps lined up either in the box or on the defensive line.
This trend hasn't changed. Jones played 33 snaps in the preseason. Of those 33 snaps, 84.8% of them were played in the box (21), on the defensive line (2), or in the slot (5). The linebacker group in front of Jones is less than stellar. His tackle numbers could see a nice spike. If his usage blitzing remains unchanged, Jones could be in for a huge year.
John Norton
ILB Malcolm Rodriguez, Detroit
Rodriguez fits the bill for me. He drew a fourth-round grade from many scouts but slid to Detroit in the sixth because he lacks optimal size. More specifically, he is short for an NFL linebacker. At 5’11” and 232 pounds, Rodriguez is compact but not exactly undersized. Rather he is built like a high-energy bowling ball with a low center of gravity that makes it hard to knock him off his feet.
Rodriguez has been a walking highlight reel for the Lions since the start of training camp. He quickly became the darling of the Hard Knocks project, where he was in the spotlight for something positive in nearly every episode, turning heads and drawing praise with his hustle, work ethic, and football IQ. He entered training camp as a projected special teams guy but has worked as the middle linebacker with the starters since preseason began and appears to have taken the job.
Rodriguez passes the college production test with flying colors, posting almost 400 combined tackles, 7.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, 4 recoveries, and 2 interceptions over four years at Oklahoma State. He is a converted safety which means speed and cover skills that can keep him on the field in sub-packages. He was the defensive play-caller for much of his college career, making him a candidate to wear the communication helmet and call plays in the huddle for the Lions.
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