Latest news with #AshtonGillotte


Time of India
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
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. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Get to know Chiefs rookie class with these bizarre back-to-school style pictures
The Kansas City Chiefs' rookie class is progressing through their offseason program with ease and seems to be primed for success as the defending AFC champions plot their course to another Super Bowl title. As the team transitions to Phase Two of its offseason program, the Chiefs' coaching staff is getting its first opportunity to get hands-on with Kansas City's new crop of rookies. Advertisement But, on Thursday, it was the team's social media department that got a great chance to work with the first-year players. In a series of posts to Twitter, the Chiefs featured each of their draftees — from first-round pick Josh Simmons to seventh-rounder Brashard Smith — holding a sign with some key "get-to-know-me" information that fans may find valuable as they look to learn more about Kansas City's newest stars. Take a look at each "back to school" picture that was featured on the team's Twitter account: OT Josh Simmons, DT Omarr Norman-Lott DE Ashton Gillotte, DB Nohl Williams WR Jalen Royals, LB Jeffrey Bassa RB Brashard Smith This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs introduce 2025 rookie class with back-to-school themed pictures


USA Today
04-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kansas City Chiefs rookie Ashton Gillotte explains the significance of his jersey number
Kansas City Chiefs rookie Ashton Gillotte explains the significance of his jersey number The Kansas City Chiefs selected defensive lineman Ashton Gillotte in the third round with the 66th pick in last weekend's draft, solidifying another high-potential player for coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. On Saturday, he met with the media at rookie camp and shared the story behind his jersey number. "Obviously, I started my college career in it, and it wasn't my first choice because obviously in high school I played in (number) nine," said Gillotte, "but I think going back to that is kind of symbolic in a lot of ways and meaningful to me just to have the option to go back into that number. Started my college career like that, so I'm going to start my NFL career like that too, so it's a good omen." The No. 97 jersey was last assigned to Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who has since switched to No. 91 to start the 2025 season. During his last season at Louisville, Gillotte earned Second-team All-ACC honors. He led the Cardinals with 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks and started 12 games with 43 total tackles.


USA Today
29-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kansas City Chiefs Sr. Director of Player Personnel Mike Bradway on DL Ashton Gillotte
Kansas City Chiefs Sr. Director of Player Personnel Mike Bradway on DL Ashton Gillotte During his press conference over the weekend, Kansas City Chiefs Senior Director of Player Personnel Mike Bradway shared his thoughts on third-round draft pick Ashton Gillotte's ability to pressure quarterbacks with an effective pass rush. "Yeah, the pressures. Sometimes the sack numbers, I think, can be a little misleading, so hurry rate, pressure rate, you can feel them when you watch the tape, just the activity." said Bradway, "Then, I'll tell you one more thing about him (Ashton Gillotte), he dropped a little weight this spring and his Pro Day was probably one of the better Pro Days we saw all spring. The explosiveness, athleticism (and) movement was like a linebacker, so that kind of sold us on just what kind of physical talent he had." The former Louisville standout is already connected with the current Chiefs' defensive end, George Karlaftis. Combining both pass rushers with Chris Jones and Charles Omenihu could be a special formula for blitzing coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Gillotte spent four seasons at Louisville, appearing in 51 games and recording 131 tackles (73 solo), 40.5 tackles for loss, 26.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.


USA Today
28-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Everything Chiefs fans need to know about KC's third-round pick EDGE Ashton Gillotte
Everything Chiefs fans need to know about KC's third-round pick EDGE Ashton Gillotte The Kansas City Chiefs selected one of college football's most exciting sack-masters, Louisville Cardinals edge rusher Ashton Gillotte, in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft. In 51 games as a collegian, Gillotte racked up 26.5 sacks and 41 tackles for loss, leading Louisville's defense as one of the top pass rushers in the Atlantic Coast Conference. With Gillotte in the mix, the Chiefs' front four should be able to feast on opposing passers next season as Kansas City endeavors to earn a spot in its fourth consecutive Super Bowl. Take a look at everything the Chiefs had to say about Gillotte in their official draft packet: Ashton Gillotte college bio "Spent four seasons at Louisville (2021-24) … Appeared in 51 games and recorded 131 tackles (73 solo), 40.5 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, 26.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one pass defensed … Played in 12 games in 2024 and tallied 43 tackles (23 solo) and 4.5 sacks … Led the country in hurries … Started all 14 games in 2023 recording 45 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks … Started 12 games in 2022 posting 7.0 sacks and eight tackles for loss … Appeared in 13 games (four starts) in 2021 and finished with 19 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks … Three-time All-ACC Academic selection (2022-24) … Finalist for the Campbell Trophy (2024) … CSC Academic All-American (2024) … First-team All-ACC (2023)." Ashton Gillotte personal notes Three-star prospect by 247Sports. Ranked as the No. 72 weakside defensive end and the No. 165 in Florida. Credited with 128 tackles during his career at Boca Raton (Fla.). Went to the state championship in weightlifting and was ranked 21st in the Southeast region for CrossFit. Ashton Gillotte draft notes Gillotte becomes the first defensive end to be selected by the Chiefs in the third round since DEAlex Magee was taken 67th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. This marks the fifth time the Chiefs have selected a defensive end in the NFL Draft in the last sixyears (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025). Gillotte was the first defensive end taken in the third round and the 10th defensive end takenoverall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Gillotte is the only former Louisville Cardinal on the current Chiefs roster. What did Gillotte have to say after the Chiefs drafted him? Q: What was your draft experience like? GILLOTTE: 'I was celebrating with my family. I have family outside – currently they're following me a littlebit. I was inside with (my) mom, dad, brother, sister, some close friends, aunts and uncles. A really tightgroup, people that I care a lot about – it's nice.' Q: Can you tell us more about your relationship with George Karlaftis? GILLOTTE: '(DE) George (Karlaftis) and I are coached by the same Coach – (Louisville Co-DefensiveCoordinator/Defensive Line) Mark Hagen. He had him at Purdue, and then Coach Hagen came to us(Louisville). The relationship with George is (that) he was training with us, just because (a) free facility inthe offseason, and so, my coach was like, 'I think this would be a good person for you to get in with. He'sa smart guy. I think you would be able to relate to him a little bit.' I was doing film study with him, watchingplays – he was watching (our) practice, saying, 'that's bad, you have to fix that.' He's very critical, but, ina lot of ways, he helped refine how our pass rushing needed to get to this level to be considered. It's kindof a mentor-type role, trying not to blow his phone up too much and try to respect it. Now he has nochoice, he's stuck with me.' Q: What were your conversations like with Steve Spagnuolo and the defensive staff?