The Kansas City Chiefs experienced a significant drop in their sack production during the 2024 NFL season, recording only 39 sacks—a notable decrease from the 57 and 55 sacks in the previous two seasons.
With star defensive tackle Chris Jones having his lowest sack total since his rookie year and Tershawn Wharton, their second-leading sacker, departing in free agency, the Chiefs entered the 2025 NFL Draft seeking fresh talent to bolster their pass rush. Rather than relying on veteran free agents, the team turned to young prospects to rejuvenate their defensive front.
Chiefs Add Norman-Lott and Gillotte to Rebuild Interior and Edge Pass Rush
To address their defensive needs, the Chiefs drafted defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott in the second round and defensive end Ashton Gillotte in the third. The team believes these two rookies can play pivotal roles in restoring their pass-rushing dominance.
According to Chiefs personnel executive Mike Bradway, Norman-Lott brings valuable inside-rush skills while Gillotte offers versatility on the edge. Both players had productive college careers, with Norman-Lott recording 13.5 sacks across stints at Arizona State and Tennessee, and Gillotte amassing 26.5 sacks over four years at Louisville.
Chiefs Turn to Rookies Norman-Lott and Gillotte to Revive Pass Rush After Sack DeclineNorman-Lott is expected to compete for significant playing time next to Chris Jones, especially with the interior pass-rush spot left vacant. Despite veteran competition from run-stoppers like Mike Penell and Jerry Tillery, Norman-Lott’s ability to win one-on-one pass rushes stands out.
Chiefs scouting director Ryne Nutt compared Norman-Lott’s playing style to Wharton’s, emphasizing his disruptive ability and high productivity. The coaching staff values his explosive get-off and believes he can become a consistent threat in the middle of the defensive line.
Karlaftis Mentors Gillotte as Chiefs Invest in Youthful Defensive Pass-Rushing Talent
Gillotte enters the Chiefs’ system with a strong mentor in George Karlaftis, whom he already knew through shared coaching connections. Their relationship, which began through film study and feedback sessions, has carried over to the NFL, where Karlaftis is now helping Gillotte transition both on and off the field.
The Chiefs see Gillotte as a player in the Karlaftis mold—high energy, relentless effort, and disruptive presence—even if his sack numbers dipped to 4.5 in his final college season. His impressive pro day performance, where he showed linebacker-like athleticism, further solidified his draft appeal.
The Chiefs’ decision to go with young, high-upside pass rushers instead of veterans signals a long-term investment in defensive development. If Norman-Lott and Gillotte can deliver early impact, Kansas City could once again rank among the NFL’s top teams in sacks.
Their integration into the defense will be critical as the team aims to complement their strong offense with a revitalized front seven. With the mentorship of established players like Jones and Karlaftis, both rookies are well-positioned to contribute and grow into foundational defensive pieces for the Chiefs.
