Norman-Lott is gaining valuable reps early in training camp

The rookie defensive tackle is making an early statement in camp, earning first-team snaps at the start of camp.

Second-round pick Omarr Norman-Lott is turning heads at Chiefs training camp. While there is not too much to glean from a defensive lineman before the pads come on, a certain six-time Pro Bowler is taking notice.

“He's young, but he has a lot of raw talent,” defensive tackle Chris Jones said. “He's going to be a great asset for the d-line. He can rush the passer, (he’s) quick out of the stance. (He’s) got to work on his technique and fundamentals, but I think he's going to be a great asset for us this upcoming season.”

Earlier, when talking about his new running mate, Jones elaborated more on his stature and athleticism, saying, "These guys in college are built different. A guy like Omarr is 315 (pounds), who can run a 4.7 or 4.8, it’s just where the game is at right now."

After losing Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Nnadi this offseason, defensive tackle was one of those positions many thought the Chiefs might make a splash at.

Instead, the Chiefs opted to sign veteran Jerry Tillery to a lower-level one-year deal and select the rookie out of Tennessee in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

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With Mike Pennel being the only one ahead of Norman-Lott and others on the depth chart along the interior defensive line, the rookie has been the one to get some run with the first-team defense throughout the first four practices in St. Joe.

So far, Norman-Lott said one of the most challenging parts of his young Chiefs career has been heading up against three-time Pro Bowl center Creed Humphrey.

“(Creed) Humphrey is a brick wall,” Norman-Lott said with laughter. “No, no, I’m not laughing. I’m serious, seriously, I would say Creed.”

When Kansas City made Norman-Lott their second pick of the NFL Draft, it was met with mixed reviews from the NFL Draft community. He was seen as a pass rush specialist who played 26 percent of Tennessee’s defensive snaps last season.

What the Chiefs and others could hang their hat on coming out of the draft process was an 18.9 pass-rush win-rate, which led the entire NCAA.

He also rushed primarily from the three-tech, which is where Jones typically resides in the Chiefs' defense. As a senior last season, he took 129 snaps there compared to 21 in the A-gap, where Wharton, Nnadi and Pennel played mostly last season.

So, the fact that he is getting first-team reps next to Jones is noteworthy. Those types are typically more stout, which also makes it key Jones mentioned he is 315 pounds, given that he weighed 291 at the NFL Combine.

The Chiefs' website also lists him at 6-foot-3, 315 pounds. Something you can take away from an unpadded practice is how the Chiefs view players' potential or ideas they may have on how to use guys.

According to the CBA, there must be a five-day acclimation period, so we will find out where Norman-Lott truly sits tomorrow when the pads come on for the first time.

The rookie believes he was ready when camp began and feels there is just one key difference heading into the next phase. The former Volunteer believes he is up to the task with full contact on the horizon.

“Probably just the level of physicality,” Norman-Lott said. “I mean, we are kind of already moving – I play a position, me in the O-Lineman and my teammates, we all play a position where we are in contact and engaged every play. So, it kind of doesn’t really make a difference, but it gets more physical.”