The Kansas City Chiefs are never satisfied with resting on their laurels, and their relentless pursuit of championship-caliber players extends to every level of the draft.
This philosophy was on full display with the selection of Ashton Gillotte, a defensive end out of the University of Louisville. Gillotte is a player who embodies the Chiefs’ culture of high motor and high-intensity play, and he is quickly proving to be a perfect fit for a Steve Spagnuolo-led defense.
The Louisville Wrecking Ball
Ashton Gillotte arrived in the NFL with a reputation as a powerful, high-motor defensive lineman. During his impressive career at the University of Louisville, he was a disruptive force, culminating in a stellar 2023 season where he earned First-Team All-ACC honors. He was a menace in the backfield, consistently pressuring quarterbacks and stopping ball carriers with his physical play. In his final season, he recorded 11.0 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss, demonstrating his elite production and ability to win with power and leverage. His Relative Athletic Score of 9.75 out of 10 ranked him in the 97th percentile of all defensive ends, a testament to his explosive athleticism.
A Perfect Fit for the Chiefs
The Chiefs drafted Gillotte with the 66th overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a move that was immediately met with high praise from analysts. His scouting report reads like a wish list for a Spagnuolo defender: a power-based pass rusher with a non-stop motor, a high football IQ, and the versatility to play multiple spots on the defensive line. Gillotte’s bull rush is his signature move, but he pairs it with a strong rip to get around offensive linemen. His strength at the point of attack and ability to hold his ground against the run make him a truly three-dimensional player.
Endorsement from the Kelce Brothers
Perhaps the most telling sign of Gillotte’s potential comes from inside the Chiefs’ locker room. On their “New Heights” podcast, All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce and his brother, future Hall of Fame center Jason Kelce, were quick to praise the rookie.
Travis described Gillotte’s play as “lightning” and lauded his relentless effort, saying, “This guy has a motor, man. He’s going to play his f*g gap in the run game, and he’s gonna get to the quarterback eventually.” He went on to describe Gillotte’s play as technically sound, while Jason emphatically agreed.
Travis also pointed out how a non-stop motor can get into a quarterback’s head: “The quarterback’s watching that on film all day, and he’s just thinking in his mind, ‘He’s coming. I know he’s coming. If he isn’t here initially, I know it’s happening. I know it. I know he’s on the way.'” This kind of praise from veteran players who have been at the top of the game for years is a powerful testament to Gillotte’s talent and work ethic.
The Starting Role Debate & Echoes of Jared Allen
While some, such as one of the hosts on the Chiefs Blitz 4 Guys and a Bar Podcast, argue that Ashton Gillotte is not yet ready to start, others are already convinced he is. He is a “Born ready” player who will be in the starting lineup by week 3. This bold claim is supported by his exceptional performance in the preseason, where he has reportedly seen reps with the first-team defense and has consistently shown the high motor and sheer force of will that made him a standout in college.
This physicality was on full display during a heated training camp practice when Gillotte got into a minor scuffle with fellow rookie Josh Simmons. The incident, while brief, brought back memories of the Jared Allen days for the Chiefs.
Allen was known for his fiery intensity and competitiveness in practice, a trait that helped him become one of the most feared pass rushers of his era. This same old-school, competitive spirit is clearly a part of Gillotte’s game, and it’s a reason why so many are convinced he’ll be a force to be reckoned with.
A Masterpiece in the Making
What makes Gillotte a potential masterpiece is his raw power and relentless effort. He’s not a player who wins with pure speed or bend around the edge. Instead, he wins with a violent first strike and a non-stop motor that allows him to chase plays from the backside. This
blue-collar, high-effort approach has drawn comparisons to players like Trey Hendrickson, who wins with technique and power rather than raw athleticism. His versatility and discipline enable him to fit seamlessly into any defensive scheme, making him a valuable long-term asset for the Chiefs.
Ashton Gillotte is more than just a rookie competing for a roster spot; he is a player who perfectly embodies the Kansas City Chiefs’ philosophy. He’s a relentless competitor with a high motor, and he has the skills to become an impact player for a championship-contending defense for years to come.
