Kansas City Chiefs Look to Rookies for Pass-Rush Revival

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After a significant drop in sack production during the 2024 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs are turning to rookie defenders to reenergize their once-formidable pass rush. With defensive tackle Chris Jones recording his lowest sack total since his rookie year and former key contributor Tershawn Wharton departing in free agency, Kansas City is hoping for immediate contributions from 2025 NFL Draft selections Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte. In 2023, the Chiefs tallied 57 sacks, a slight decrease from 55 in 2022. However, in 2024, their production plummeted to just 39 sacks, placing them seventeenth in the league. This regression placed additional pressure on defensive ends George Karlaftis and Chris Jones, who led the team with eight and five sacks, respectively. Rather than pursuing a veteran pass rusher in free agency, Kansas City opted to invest in youth, selecting Norman-Lott in the second round and Gillotte in the third. “You can never have enough of them,” said Mike Bradway, the Chiefs’ senior director of player personnel. “Omarr with his inside rush and Ashton just with his versatility, we thought those guys are just too hard to find”. Norman-Lott played collegiately at both Arizona State and Tennessee, recording 13.5 sacks over four seasons. Describing his play, Norman-Lott emphasized his quickness off the ball and natural feel for interior disruption. He is expected to compete for significant snaps alongside Jones, especially with veteran tackles Mike Pennel and Jerry Tillery more suited to stopping the run than rushing the passer.

According to Ryne Nutt, Kansas City’s director of player personnel, Norman-Lott’s style is reminiscent of Wharton. “He’s not as fast, but their play style is very similar. He was one of the top defensive tackles in winning one-on-one pass rush, and that’s what we first off need,” Nutt noted. Meanwhile, Gillotte brings high motor and explosiveness off the edge, having posted 26.5 career sacks at Louisville. Despite a drop to 4.5 sacks in 2024, his 11-sack season in 2023 and standout pro day reignited enthusiasm about his potential. “You can feel him when you watch the tape, just the activity,” Bradway said. “He dropped a little weight this spring... We saw all springy explosiveness, athleticism, movement was like a linebacker”. Gillotte also has a personal connection with Karlaftis, as both were coached by Mark Hagen during their college careers. Their bond predates the draft, and now as teammates, Karlaftis is mentoring Gillotte through the transition to the NFL. “He was watching practice and being like, ‘That’s bad. You’ve got to fix that,’” Gillotte recalled. “He helped refine how I pass rush and get to this level”.

While expectations remain high, the Chiefs are not expecting miracles overnight. However, with the departure of key contributors and the need for depth, both Norman-Lott and Gillotte have clear paths to meaningful playing time. Their development could be the difference between another playoff run and a disappointing step back for the reigning Super Bowl champions.