After drafting their franchise left tackle in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Kansas City Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach doubled down on the trenches, selecting one of the most productive interior pass rushers in college football.
With the 63rd overall pick in the second round, the Chiefs drafted Tennessee defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, a situational but disruptive force with a rare blend of quickness and precision.
Omarr Norman-Lott's Skillset
Despite operating in a rotational role for the Volunteers, Norman-Lott was a standout performer in passing situations, primarily deployed as a 3-technique. His burst off the line and relentless motor made him a key cog in Tennessee’s defense. In just 225 defensive snaps during the 2024 season, he racked up an impressive stat line: 5 sacks, 9 quarterback hits, and 13 pressures.
Norman-Lott’s game starts and ends with elite pass-rushing ability. His initial quickness off the snap, combined with advanced hand technique and surgical precision in leverage battles, allows him to consistently win one-on-one matchups.
Against nimble, athletic guards, he excels at getting under their pads and using his "forklift move," pushing them back into the opposing quarterback. Conversely, when facing physically imposing interior linemen, he relies on his explosive first step to penetrate gaps and make plays in the backfield.
How does Norman-Lott fit in KC?
In Kansas City, Norman-Lott projects to maintain a similar role under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Norman-Lott is expected to feature heavily in the Chiefs' sub-packages, specifically Spags' “Nascar Package,” a grouping of personnel only utilized on third down and passing situations. In these scenarios, Norman-Lott will align as the 3-technique, occupying the role typically held by All-Pro Chris Jones, who will be free to exploit mismatches elsewhere along the line.
Given Kansas City’s lack of investment in interior defensive linemen, Norman-Lott should see a significant number of snaps early. With the Chiefs’ pass rush in need of reinforcements, the addition of a high-upside, situational pass-rusher like Norman-Lott should not only elevate the front seven's production but also provide valuable support to the secondary.