Chiefs bet big on rookie rushers– Will Omar Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte live up to the hype?
Chiefs' bet big on rookie rushers (Image via AP)
As the reigning champions gear up for another title run, the Kansas City Chiefs are putting their trust in young, high-motor defenders to elevate their already formidable defense.
Among the most talked-about rookies is Omar Norman-Lott along with Ashton Gillotte whose relentless energy and pass-rushing potential have earned them early praise from both coaches and teammates.
Praised by coaches and execs, the
rookie rushers
are emerging as a high-motor weapon up front
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs coaching staff have taken note of the intensity and upside shown by the rookie defensive class, which includes Omar Norman-Lott, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, and Ashton Gillotte.
Their "relentless" approach is seen as a sign of the team's bright defensive future.
Norman-Lott, at 6-foot-2 and 291 pounds, brings explosiveness, quickness, and nonstop motor to the interior line, an area that has struggled to maintain pressure without Chris Jones on the field. During his two years at Tennessee, after transferring from Arizona State, he notched 44 tackles and 9.5 sacks, standing out as a disruptive force in the middle.
His impact hasn't gone unnoticed by Chiefs insiders. 'You can never have enough of them,' said Chiefs executive Terry Bradway. 'I think Omarr with his inside rush and Ashton just with his versatility, we thought those guys are just too hard to find.'
Former Chiefs defensive end Leger Douzable emphasized the team's need for someone like Norman-Lott, 'He fills a big need. That twitch and pass-rush potential from the interior—outside of Chris Jones, Kansas City just didn't have it.'
Ashton Gillotte brings burst and flexibility off the edge, standing out at the NFL Combine with elite speed-power traits. His quick hands, low pad level, and leverage make him a high-upside prospect. A shared college D-line coach with Karlaftis could ease his transition into the Chiefs' system.
Gillotte made serious noise in 2023, delivering a breakout performance that turned heads across the league. Over 14 games, he racked up 11 sacks and led his team with 10 tackles for loss, showcasing both consistency and game-changing ability.
His mix of speed, power, and awareness made him a constant threat off the edge.
Chiefs executive Terry Bradway summed it up perfectly, calling Gillotte 'the total package' a rare compliment for a rookie, and one that hints at the high expectations the team already has for him. "This kid plays a hundred miles an hour," he said. "He's everything you want in a football player. From makeup to how he plays the game ... the guy is absolutely relentless."
Also read:
'That's the most loser mentality chant': Jason Kelce slams U.S. soccer chants, Travis Kelce backs fiery new motto
With a growing defensive identity rooted in youth and aggression, both Norman-Lott and Gillotte could be a key piece in helping the Chiefs sustain their dominance on both sides of the ball.
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