Latest news with #Norman-Lott
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
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tennessee's Omarr Norman-Lott was ‘one of the top guys left' for the Chiefs
Late in the second round of the NFL Draft, defensive tackles like Tyleik Williams of Ohio State and Alfred Collins of Texas had already come off the board, while Toledo's Darius Alexander was still available. These were some of the high-profile players that Kansas City Chiefs fans had been expecting the team to acquire to improve its defensive interior. But Kansas City used the 63rd overall pick to get Tennessee defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott. While he wasn't the player many fans expected, the Chiefs had been eyeing him. Advertisement 'His get-off is one of the top in this class,' director of player personnel and college scouting Ryne Nutt said of Norman-Lott on Monday. 'He can get up the field and use his hands. He's got a move array. So as a rusher, [he] was very intriguing.' As far as the Chiefs' were concerned, Norman-Lott could replace some of what the team lost with the departure of Tershawn Wharton, who signed a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers in free agency. 'He's got some similarities to Turk,' said Nutt. 'He's bigger — [and] he's not as fast — but their playing style is very similar. This kid was like 99th percentile in terms of rush win rate; he was one of the top defensive tackles in winning one-on-one pass rushes. And that's what we — first off — need. And that's what we saw could add value.' Nutt reminded his listeners that at the NFL Scouting Combine, Norman-Lott checked in at 6 feet 2 and 291 pounds, with 33 3/4-inch arms and 10 3/4-inch hands — and then turned in a 31.5-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot-5 broad jump. Advertisement 'Those guys go quick,' explained Nutt. 'We know they go quick — and an interior guy that can rush as well [will] go even quicker.' And that put him on general manager Brett Veach's radar. 'Before the draft — [and] before that round,' recalled Nutt, 'Brett was pretty adamant: 'OK, he's one of these guys we have to consider.' We put up a list of four or five guys. He was one of them. He ended up being one of the top guys left — and that was a position of need as well.' The team is well aware that, unlike some of the other defensive tackles available in the draft, Norman-Lott (who played just 26% of Tennessee's defensive snaps in 2024, per PFF) was mostly used as a pass rusher in sub-packages. But according to Nutt, that's just what the Chiefs need. Advertisement 'We feel like he can come in and help out — [and] help rush the passer,' maintained Nutt. 'He didn't start a ton [during] his career there at Tennessee, but it's really what you do with snaps — and they rotate a lot. So really, it's just what he does in those 20 to 25 snaps a game. The kid [has a] high motor. He was highly productive and highly disruptive. And those are the things we look for.' The team also believes that Norman-Lott is walking into the right situation with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and defensive line coach Joe Cullen. 'He'll be with coach Cullen,' noted Nutt, 'the best defensive line coach in the NFL, I believe. He'll be able to get that out of him — and I think more, even, against the run... We're excited to get this kid and work with him — because we think there's a ton of potential.' More from
USA Today
28-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Everything Chiefs fans should know about second-round pick Tennessee DT Omarr Norman Lott
Everything Chiefs fans should know about second-round pick Tennessee DT Omarr Norman Lott The Kansas City Chiefs took a chance on Tennessee Volunteers defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott with the No. 63 pick in Round 2 of the 2025 NFL draft last week. Though Norman-Lott's draft stock fell a bit after he failed a medical evaluation at the 2025 NFL combine, he is an exciting pass-rushing prospect who might be able to contribute for the Chiefs as a rookie. Norman-Lott tallied 13.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss during his time as a collegian and will be a valuable asset for Kansas City's front-four in the years ahead. Take a look at everything the Chiefs had to say about Norman-Lott in their official draft packet: Omarr Norman-Lott college bio "Played two seasons at Tennessee (2023-24)… Totaled 44 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and one fumble recovery with the Vols… Played three seasons at Arizona State (2020-22) and appeared in 21 games (three starts) totaling 44 tackles… Played in 47 career games (21 at ASU, 26 at UT)… Tallied 89 total tackles and 17 TFLs in his career, including his time at Arizona State… Invited to the 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl." Omarr Norman-Lott personal notes A consensus four-star prospect among all recruiting services out of Grant Union High School (Calif.). Tabbed by Rivals as the No. 27 defensive tackle recruit nationally and No. 29 overall in California. Finished his high school career with 110 total tackles, 32 tackles for loss and 17.0 sacks. Omarr Norman-Lott draft notes Norman-Lott becomes the first defensive tackle to be selected by the Chiefs in the second roundsince DT Chris Jones was taken 37th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. Kansas City has selected seven defensive tackles in the second round with the addition ofNorman-Lott. Prior to his selection, the franchise drafted DT Chris Jones (2016, MississippiState), DT Junior Siavii (2004, Oregon), DT Eddie Freeman (2002, Ala. – Birmingham), DT/DESylvester Hicks (1978, Tennessee), DT Cliff Frazier (1976, UCLA) and DT Wilbur Young (1971,William Penn) in the second round. The selection of Norman-Lott marks the first time the Chiefs have drafted a defensive player inthe second round since the selection of S Bryan Cook out of Cincinnati with the 62nd overall pickin the 2022 NFL Draft. Norman-Lott was the ninth defensive tackle taken overall and the fourth defensive tackle takenin the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Norman-Lott joins G Trey Smith as the only other Tennessee Volunteer on the current Chiefsroster. What did Norman-Lott have to say after the Chiefs picked him? Q: What is your first reaction to the Chiefs drafting you? NORMAN-LOTT: 'I'm incredibly blessed to be a part of the Chiefs Kingdom. So happy, I'm so ready to getin a system and learn a system and just be a hell of a player for the Chiefs Kingdom.' Q: What was your draft experience like? NORMAN-LOTT: 'I have all my family around me. I have all my close peers around me. I have people fromTennessee who supported me heavily all around me. It was just a surreal experience and so good to be apart of.' Q: How does it feel to be playing for Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo? What were yourconversations like with him?
USA Today
27-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Grading every pick, trade that the Kansas City Chiefs made during the 2025 NFL draft
Grading every pick, trade that the Kansas City Chiefs made during the 2025 NFL draft General manager Brett Veach got creative in his effort to help the Kansas City Chiefs build for the future during the 2025 NFL draft. Over the course of seven rounds, Veach managed to find exciting prospects who should be able to compete for playing time in short order as Kansas City looks to earn its fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance next season. While Kansas City entered the Annual Player Selection Meeting with relatively limited resources, Veach made a series of trades on all three days of the draft to give Kansas City maximum flexibility. Check out our grades for every move that the Chiefs made during the 2025 NFL draft: Round 1: Trade down with Philadelphia Eagles Kansas City sent the No. 31 pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for the No. 32 and 164 selections. Given that the Eagles took a defender when the Chiefs were targeting an offensive lineman, this trade made a lot of sense for the Chiefs, who needed to add a Day 3 pick via trade at some point during the draft. Grade: A- Round 1, Pick 32: Chiefs select Ohio State Buckeyes OT Josh Simmons Simmons is an undeniably talented tackle prospect, but likely fell to Kansas City due to a serious knee injury that he sustained during Ohio State's 2024 campaign. If the injury doesn't affect his trajectory as a professional, this pick is a home run, but should Simmons' development get thrown off track due to his condition, this pick could be an inning-ending double play. One has to assume that the Chiefs did their homework, and I'm cautiously optimistic about the prospect of Simmons starting for Kansas City at left tackle next season. Grade: B Round 2, Pick 63: Chiefs select Tennessee Volunteers DL Omarr Norman-Lott I'm inclined to trust Brett Veach's vision when it comes to Kansas City's defensive line, even if I don't always understand exactly what the team intends to do with the players he picks up. Norman-Lott wasn't a player I expected the Chiefs to take, but if Veach liked him better than the other linemen who were available, who am I to judge? Still, I thought Norman-Lott may have been a bit of a reach at pick No. 63, even if he ultimately ends up being a rock-solid player. Grade: B- Round 3, Pick 66: Chiefs select Louisville Cardinals EDGE Ashton Gillotte It is hard to argue with the kind of production that Gillotte achieved as a collegian, and Kansas City seems to have gotten good value for him early in the third round. But the Chiefs didn't enter the 2025 NFL draft with a paucity of edge rushers, and it seemed to me like this pick could have been spent on a top prospect at another position. But, as with Norman-Lott, I'll defer to Veach on this pick. Grade: B- Round 3: Chiefs trade up with New England Patriots The 2025 NFL draft class wasn't particularly deep at cornerback, so it makes sense that Veach would trade up to get "his guy" in at the position with this pick. However, the Chiefs had to give up a 2026 fourth-round selection to move up just 10 spots from No. 95 to No. 85, which seemed rather steep given that the trade back in the first round only netted a fifth-rounder. Grade: C- Round 3, Pick 85: Chiefs select California Golden Bears DB Nohl Williams Though I'm not sold on the trade that put Kansas City in a position to take Williams, I really don't hate the pick. Kansas City needed to add a ball hawk, and if Veach believes the former Golden Bear is a guy who can help the Chiefs force more turnovers next season, I'm all-in on him. Grade: B+ Round 4, Pick 133: Chiefs select Utah State Aggies WR Jalen Royals From an aesthetics perspective, I don't think there is anything cooler than having a Chiefs player with the last name "Royals," especially given that Patrick Mahomes (noted baseball aficionado and part-owner of the Kansas City Royals) will be his quarterback. It also doesn't hurt that Royals is a stud, and may be able to make meaningful contributions to the Chiefs' offense as a rookie. This is my favorite pick of the bunch. Grade: A Round 5: Chiefs trade up with Pittsburgh Steelers This trade only cost Kansas City a seventh-round pick and netted the Chiefs a valuable linebacker prospect. Kansas City had three seventh-rounders entering Day 3, so it made sense for Veach to make them available for a trade up like this. Grade: B+ Round 5, Pick 156: Oregon Ducks LB Jeffrey Bassa Bassa was a great value for Kansas City in Round 5, and the trade-up for him came at negligible cost. His selection came at a perfect time for the Chiefs to land a promising developmental prospect, and while Bassa isn't likely to see the field much as a linebacker during his rookie season, he should be able to earn a role on the Chiefs' special teams unit early in his career. Grade: A- Round 7: Chiefs trade up with New England Patriots This was another smart trade by Veach, even though it will likely prove to be inconsequential. Kansas City sent New England the No. 251 and No. 257 picks for the No. 228 selection in Round 7. Grade: B Round 7, Pick 228: Chiefs select Southern Methodist University Mustangs RB Brashard Smith Veach found star rusher Isiah Pacheco in Round 7 of the 2022 NFL draft, and may have found his next late-round gem in Smith. Though it is hard to predict how seventh-round picks will project as professionals, Smith has all the makings of a dynamic running back who could help Kansas City bridge a gap if Isiah Pacheco leaves the Chiefs in free agency next year. Grade: B+ Grading Brett Veach's overall performance If I'm being totally honest, I was underwhelmed by this draft class. Simmons, Norman-Lott, and Royals all had varying injury concerns that may have been what caused them to drop to the Chiefs, and it still feels like Kansas City is lacking some juice on both sides of the ball. For as much as I'm not excited right now, I've also learned to trust the process. Veach has proven to be adept at finding undervalued talent in the late rounds, and it is far too early to tell where each prospect will fit with the Chiefs next season. Grade: B
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Crocky-J has company: A Chiefs draft pick will be bringing pet python to KC
Move over, Crocky-J. You may no longer be the most unique pet owned by a Chiefs player. The Chiefs on Friday night selected Tennessee defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott with their second-round pick (No. 63 overall). Norman-Lott is an animal lover and he has a dog, cat and ... python. Advertisement Yep, a snake. Chiefs running back Carson Steele made headlines last year when people found out about his pet alligator Crocky-J. Norman-Lott has a calico ball python, and it was banned from Tennessee's football facility by Volunteers coach Josh Heupel. 'He got vetoed from the facility,' Norman-Lott said on the Vol Club Confidential podcast. 'I used to bring him up there and stuff like that. And one day, Coach (Heupel) came up to me and he's like, 'Hey, no more snake, man.' I was like, 'All right, man.'' Oh, and the python shares a name with a Chiefs wide receiver: JuJu, although it's unknown if he was named after JuJu Smith-Schuster. Advertisement The subject of the python came up when Norman-Lott was asked about his off-the-field interests. 'My animals,' he said. 'I'm fully invested. When I'm cleaning the snake cage or walking my dog, playing with a trainer or playing with my cat. That's really what makes me go off the field. I don't really do anything else.' Norman-Lott was asked who watches his animals when he flies back to California to see his mother. 'I got both my dog and my cat, they're registered as emotional support so they can fly with me. That's not usually a problem,' Norman-Lott said. 'And the snake is good, as long as I feed him before I go. Change the bedding, or whatever, put some new water in there. He'll be all right. He could go up to, like, a year without eating, six months to a year.' Advertisement Norman-Lott noted that JuJu is a crafty snake. 'It's actually funny. I've watched him sit there and find weak points in the cage, see if he could find a way to get out,' Norman-Lott said. That's fascinating to watch. But you've got to make sure you're locking it up.' Not a cold-weather fan Norman-Lott said on the podcast that he really hates something that he can't avoid in Kansas City. 'That's my kryptonite, man: Cold weather,' he said. 'Getting cold, freezing my hands, start becoming fragile. I don't know. This is my kryptonite, cold weather.' But the California kid did enjoy his first experience with snow. 'When it was snowing, I actually had a good time, but I had like seven layers on,' Norman-Lott said when it snowed in Tennessee. 'You clearly see, I've never even probably been in snow that much because I was out there doing snow angels in 2 inches of snow.'
