Chiefs bolster depth with selection of edge rusher Ashton Gillotte in Round 3

Chiefs add an experienced and productive college defensive end

The Chiefs stayed on the defensive course with their second of three Day 2 draft picks.

And it once again came on the defensive line.

The Chiefs selected Louisville edge rusher Ashton Gillotte in Round 3 (66th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft.

“I’m just super blessed to be considered,” Gillotte said in a Zoom teleconference.

Gillotte, who measures 6-foot-3, 254 pounds, appeared in 51 career college games and he was productive over four seasons, totaling 131 tackles, which included 41 for a loss, and 26.5 sacks.

He earned first-team All-ACC in 2023 and capped off his time at Louisville with a second-team All-ACC selection in 2024.

Gillotte believes he brings a lot to the table.

“I would say – and it shows on tape – it would be high motor, physical player,” he said. “That’s just my strengths, that’s what I put on tape. I like getting around the ball as much as possible and do what I can to contribute.”

Meanwhile, the Chiefs are currently deep on the edge with George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Charles Omenihu.

The selection of Gillotte bolsters the defensive end position group and gives defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo another piece to deploy in subpackages.

Gillotte’s arrival also means the Chiefs have looked in the trenches early and often in the draft.

The Chiefs previously selected Tennessee defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott in the second round (63^rd overall) and used a first-round pick (32^nd overall) on Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons.