In recent years, the Kansas City Chiefs have built a dynasty on the back of defensive brilliance and postseason poise, but beneath the surface of success lies a persistent vulnerability: a defensive front that has relied too heavily on the unstoppable dominance of Chris Jones. With a shallow rotation and a lack of consistent pass-rushing support, the Chiefs entered the 2025 NFL Draft facing an obvious and urgent need to retool the interior of their defensive line.
When the Chiefs used a top-100 pick on defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, reactions were mixed. Was it a savvy move to secure an elite pass-rushing talent or a reach for a specialist with limited three-down utility? This article breaks down the selection through the lens of positional need, available alternatives, and player-specific traits to determine whether Kansas City made the most of their second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Omarr Norman-Lott's Positional Value & Need
It’s no secret that the Chiefs have struggled to identify a consistent pass-rushing partner to complement All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones. While the team acquired defensive end Frank Clark in April of 2019, his impact on regular-season production was negligible. First-round pick George Karlaftis, drafted in 2022, has shown flashes of productivity, though he has not shown that he can be the dominant force he was in college. Similarly, 2023 free-agent addition Charles Omenihu has demonstrated disruptive potential but has yet to put together a healthy and complete season for KC.
Equally evident is the team’s longstanding neglect of the defensive tackle position. Over the past five years, Kansas City has selected only one defensive tackle in the draft (Keondre Coburn at pick No. 194 in 2023). This lack of investment, coupled with minimal activity in free agency, has left the Chiefs’ interior defensive line room alarmingly thin.
The recent departures of Derrick Nnadi and Tershawn Wharton, who signed with the Jets and Panthers, respectively, only exacerbated the issue. Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chiefs’ defensive tackle depth chart consists of: All-Pro Chris Jones, situational pass rusher Jerry Tillery, aging run-stuffer Mike Pennel, and the unproven Marlon Tuipulotu.
Given that an effective pass rush remains central to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive scheme, and considering the glaring need at the position, investing a valuable top-100 draft pick in a defensive tackle wasn’t just warranted; it was necessary.
Other Draft Prospects Available
While the Chiefs’ need for additional depth along the defensive line (specifically for a reliable pass rusher) was undeniable, it’s fair to question whether Omarr Norman-Lott was the best player available when their selection came up. The answer is probably not.
If the objective was to bolster the defense, two prospects with higher upside and greater positional value were still on the board"
- Andrew Mukuba (Texas | S), a versatile and physical defensive back with experience both as a slot corner and deep safety, was taken with the very next pick (a potential A+ selection).
- Shavon Revel (East Carolina | CB), a rangy, long-armed cornerback tailor-made for Spagnuolo’s scheme, was also still available and was later scooped up by the Cowboys (another potential A+ grade).
- Kaleb Johnson (Iowa | RB), a durable, high-motor back with three-down capability, was selected even later by the Steelers. He would have instantly elevated a relatively underwhelming Chiefs backfield (potential A grade).
Each of these players represented a more immediate and impactful upgrade, both in terms of talent and schematic fit. In that context, it’s difficult to ignore the fact that the Chiefs may have passed on higher-value prospects at more critical positions when they opted for Norman-Lott.
Omarr Norman Lott's Player Profile/Fit
With contextual factors around draft value and roster construction addressed, let's evaluate the most important component: Omarr Norman-Lott as a prospect.
Norman-Lott profiles as an exceptional interior pass rusher. According to Pro Football Focus, his pass rush win rate (a metric comparing pass rush victories to total snaps played) is the highest recorded among defensive tackles over the past decade. He boasts an explosive first step, a diverse arsenal of pass-rush moves, and the kind of one-on-one dominance that should translate well at the professional level.
From a schematic standpoint, he fits seamlessly into Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive front. His versatility to align anywhere from a 2-technique (head-up on the guard) to a 4-technique (head-up on the tackle) offers the defensive staff valuable flexibility, particularly when trying to isolate favorable matchups for Chris Jones across the line.
However, like all prospects, Norman-Lott has his limitations. His exceptional pass rush efficiency may be partially inflated by a limited sample size (nearly 400 fewer snaps in 2024 than fellow prospect Darius Alexander). That reduced workload may have stemmed from deficiencies against the run, where he occasionally lacks the strength and diagnostic instincts to hold his ground, even against smaller offensive linemen. This raises questions about his viability as an every-down player in the NFL. Lastly, his bull rush lacks consistent power, which may limit him at the next level.
Overall, Omarr Norman-Lott is a high-risk, high-reward prospect with the potential to develop into a dominant, every-down pass-rushing presence—or, conversely, settle into a more limited role as a situational rotational contributor.
Overall Draft Grade: A-
The Chiefs’ selection of Omarr Norman-Lott may not have been the flashiest move in the draft, but it was a smart, forward-thinking investment in one of the roster’s most pressing needs. While other prospects offered broader positional value, none addressed Kansas City’s interior defensive line deficiency with quite the same combination of upside, scheme fit, and immediate impact potential.
Norman-Lott’s elite pass-rushing metrics and positional versatility give him a clear path to early contribution, especially in a system that thrives on rotating and disguising pressure along the front. Yes, he has areas to refine, particularly in run defense, but the traits he brings to the table are rare. He isn’t just a situational rusher; with development, he has the potential to become a disruptive three-down force capable of eventually replacing Chris Jones as the next focal point of the defensive line.
In a draft class where the Chiefs could have gone in multiple directions, they chose to address a weakness with a player who fits their system and offers high-end potential. To his credit, general manager Brett Veach has done it again with another masterclass draft pick in Omarr Norman-Lott, who will, no doubt, be a force on the Chiefs’ defense for years to come.
For a player breakdown of Omarr Norman-Lott, check out our full player profile here!
