The Kansas City Chiefs front office knew exactly what they needed to address in the 2025 NFL Draft and for the most part they succeeded. The offensive line is now significantly stronger with the addition of Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons, and the franchise added some underrated weapons in the later rounds to help out star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Despite the offensive additions, one of the Chiefs most impactful picks came on defense in the third round. At No.66 overall, the front office selected Louisville defensive end Ashton Gillotte. Gillotte is a two-time All-ACC selection who has all the traits to be a very successful edge rusher at the next level.
Chris Trapasso, an NFL Draft analyst for CBS Sports, explains in detail why Gillotte is one of the top-10 rookies he projects to have an immediate impact at the next level.
“At Louisville, Gillotte pieced together back-to-back seasons with more than 55 quarterback pressures on 363 and 373 pass-rushing opportunities, respectively. At a hair under 6-3 and 264 pounds with shorter arms, he demonstrates a unique bend of speed-to-power conversion, an occasional flash of bendiness, and he plays with the pedal to the floor on every snap.
Kansas City needed a secondary outside rusher beyond George Karlaftis, especially given the lack of development for Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Gillotte won’t be earning Defensive Rookie of the Year consideration in his debut campaign. He’ll be a steady producer from the jump as a rotational piece who can hold up against the run and flash as a pass rusher without much attention on him in 2025.”
The fact that the Chiefs can have a third-round pick receive this kind of projection is terrific for a franchise in win-now mode. The front office is on a timeline as key contributors to this dynasty start to show their age. As currently constructed, the Chiefs are still the favorites in the AFC and the newest additions just put this group in a better position to contend for another Super Bowl.
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