What’s each Chiefs draft pick’s standout skill? Top KC scout weighs in
Ryne Nutt, the Kansas City Chiefs’ director of player personnel for college scouting, started Monday’s news conference by thanking 10 people in the team’s scouting department who played a major part in this year’s draft process.
In other words ... KC certainly did its research before selecting the seven NFL Draft picks it took over the weekend.
Nutt knows the names as well as anyone. He was charged with helping the team set its big board as it addressed needs throughout the 2025 NFL Draft.
So what does he think fans should know about this new wave of Chiefs talent?
Here’s a glimpse. Nutt was asked Monday about the unique trait or characteristic that each KC-drafted player had that separated him from other guys at his position.
This is how Nutt responded for each of the Chiefs’ seven draft picks:
First round: Offensive tackle Josh Simmons
Unique trait: His feet and his balance
“His set and how he looks — and he’s a good run-blocker — but the pass-stuff set ... this is a pass league, and Coach (Andy) Reid is a passing coach, for the most part,” Nutt said. “What (Josh) looked (like) there, in terms of what he could show, was impressive and exciting.”
• More on Simmons: Why the Chiefs took a risk in drafting Josh Simmons when no other team would
Second round: Defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott
Unique trait: Motor and get-off
“His get-off is one of the tops in this class, and he can get up the field and use his hands,” Nutt said. “He’s got a move array. So him as a rusher was very intriguing.”
More on Norman-Lott: Chiefs select this Tennessee defensive tackle with 2nd round pick. Here’s more
Third round: Edge rusher Ashton Gillotte
Unique trait: Plays fast with crazy power
“He’s got 32-inch arms, but the kid can knock tackles back like nobody’s business. That was exciting,” Nutt said. “And for us, if you want to be an elite rusher in this league, you’ve got to have a speed-to-power move. And that kid does.”
More on Gillotte: Chiefs bolster defensive line in Round 3 by selecting Gillotte
Third round: Cornerback Nohl Williams
Unique skill: Ball skills and instincts
“The kid consistently sets himself up to make plays,” Nutt said.
• More on Williams: Chiefs trade up to pick California CB in 3rd round. This was the draft pick cost
Fourth round: Receiver Jalen Royals
Unique skill: Run after catch
“The strong. The speed. The ability to break tackles. Those things intrigued us,” Nutt said. “That’s something we take as a high priority, is receivers’ run-after-catch ability.”
More on Royals: Chiefs add versatile wide receiver with 4th round pick in NFL Draft
Fifth round: Linebacker Jeff Bassa
Unique skill: Athletic ability and instincts
“He’s got a little (of Chiefs linebacker) Nick Bolton to him, where he is in the right place at the right time. He’s super-sharp,” Nutt said. “You watch him on tape, and for me, the first thing I notice is the guy is directing traffic. He’s doing everything. And I think (linebackers coach Brendan) Daly really liked that, too, because we value smart inside ‘backers. That is a premium.”
More on Bassa: Chiefs trade up in 5th round to select Oregon linebacker. He says he’s motivated
Seventh round: Running back Brashard Smith
Unique skill: Strong running and toughness for his size
“He catches the ball really well. I think everyone knows that, as a receiver,” Nutt said. “But his balance and contact strength are sneaky good.”
More on Smith: Chiefs trade two picks to land their ‘dynamic’ running back in NFL Draft
