Rookie defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott has turned some heads during Chiefs training camp.
So much so that he has been getting consistent reps with the first-team defense. Kansas City drafted Norman-Lott in the second round (63rd overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft back in April. During his final two collegiate seasons at Tennessee, he recorded 9.5 sacks and 44 total tackles — 10 for loss.
Whether or not Norman-Lott is actually a starter when the regular season begins remains to be seen, but it's safe to say he'll at least be a key part of the defensive line rotation. While speaking to the media following Day 8 of training camp practice on Wednesday, veteran DL Charles Omenihu said he is impressed with how far along Norman-Lott is in his development.
"Omarr has great use of hands," Omenihu said. "Very explosive. I noticed early on that he was able to grab wrists. It took me 3-4 years to be able to do that. That's just a lot of hand-eye coordination. So that's something he definitely practiced over at Tennessee, something that they probably teach because, like I said, I think it's just, as a rusher, being able to long arm and then grab wrist, grab elbow, take guys hands off of you like that. I think it's something that is a learned skill, something that's pretty difficult."
That is encouraging to hear about a rookie, especially coming from a polished veteran like Omenihu. Norman-Lott and Omenihu could be on the field at the same time in several instances throughout the 2025 season with Omenihu's ability to play both DT and DE. A personnel package consisting of Norman-Lott, Omenihu, Chris Jones, and George Karlaftis could be lethal.
Veteran DT Mike Pennel will also be in the mix, particularly on early downs. Norman-Lott's development will be crucial for Kansas City this season as Pennel, Omenihu, and various other DTs are on one-year contracts. The Chiefs typically ease their rookies in early, then ramp them up during the second half of the season.
