The Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason journey is starting to heat up again as May enters its final week. Tuesday marks the start of the Chiefs’ annual organized team activities (OTAs), and Andy Reid’s team will be motivated to hit the ground running after coming up short against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59 nearly four months ago.
Although Chiefs fans can’t wait to see the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce return to the gridiron, a good chunk of the fanbase is also looking forward to the incoming rookie class. General manager Brett Veach did a good job of adding promising prospects through the 2025 NFL draft, including one rookie who’s surprisingly flown under the radar this spring.
Chiefs Rookie DE Ashton Gillotte is Flying Under the Radar
Rookie pass rusher Ashton Gillotte is one first-year Chief who hasn’t garnered as much attention as expected this offseason. The 22-year-old defender was drafted 66th overall by Kansas City last month after a productive four-year run at the University of Louisville, using the pick the franchise received from last year’s L’Jarius Sneed trade with the Tennessee Titans.
Gillotte is an exciting up-and-coming defender, but he’s flown under the radar compared to fellow Chiefs rookies Josh Simmons and Omarr Norman-Lott, who were both drafted ahead of him at No. 32 and 63, respectively.
The lack of attention could also stem from the veteran competition Gillotte will be facing throughout OTAs and training camp. Defensive linemen like Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, Mike Pennel Jr., and Michael Danna all have experience playing under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, making Gillotte’s fight for snaps a likely uphill battle.
With that in mind, the Chiefs wouldn’t have drafted Gillotte if they didn’t believe in his promising upside. The Boca Raton, FL native was a standout disruptor throughout his time with the Cardinals, amassing 26.5 sacks, 73 solo tackles, 41 lost yardage tackles, and four forced fumbles in 51 outings, which also includes receiving All-ACC honors in 2023 and 2024.
The last season was, by far, Gillotte’s best collegiate effort as he finished with career-high Pro Football Focus grades regarding pass rushing (89.9), tackling (71.6), and overall defense (87.8).
Even with the veteran competition ahead of him, the Chiefs could be forced to play Gillotte if his collegiate success produces immediate NFL results. Too much of a good thing isn’t bad, especially when the goal is to win another Super Bowl, and Kansas City could benefit from one of the deepest D-line rooms in the league.
With the tools to be a pass-rushing mainstay for years to come, Gillotte likely won’t stay under Chiefs fans’ radar for long.
