A Chiefs rookie is running with the starters on defense. It doesn’t happen often
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Rookie Omarr Norman-Lott is earning first-team reps at Chiefs training camp.
- Coaches and teammates praise Norman-Lott's intelligence and physical tools.
- Norman-Lott could fill the void left by Tershawn Wharton on the defensive line.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo typically plays things conservatively when it comes to rookies on his defense.
Young guys typically have to earn their way to first-string snaps. And they also have to prove they’re ready to handle his complicated playbook before he throws too much at them.
It’s why, through four days of training camp at Missouri Western, one rookie’s presence with the starters has been particularly noteworthy.
Defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott — the team’s second-round pick in April — has spent the majority of snaps as the team’s starting defensive tackle next to All-Pro teammate Chris Jones.
“It’s an honor,” Norman-Lott said Friday of getting early work with the 1s. “I just gotta use them (repetitions) the right way. I’m working on not messing up and just playing hard.”
Norman-Lott, whom the Chiefs selected 63rd overall, flashed tantalizing potential for Tennessee last season. He led all interior rushers in Pro Football Focus’ pass-rush win rate, though he also only played 225 snaps for the Volunteers in a rotational role.
His physical tools have stood out to Jones, who noted that Norman-Lott is “315 (pounds), and he can run, like, a 4.7, 4.8” in the 40-yard dash.
“He’s young, but he has a lot of raw talent,” Jones said Wednesday. “He’s going to be a great asset for the D-line.”
The Chiefs might need him to be. Norman-Lott is the most likely replacement for Tershawn Wharton, who left the Chiefs this offseason to sign a three-year, $54 million deal with the Carolina Panthers.
So far, though, teammates say Norman-Lott has done well to master what’s most important.
For linebacker Nick Bolton, that’s meant Norman-Lott lining up in the right spot and executing his assignment. Bolton labeled Norman-Lott as “an intelligent guy” while saying he’d done a good job of avoiding mental mistakes.
“He’s trusting me, listening to the linebackers’ communication, giving us visual keys when he gets it. And that’s the only thing you can ask for at this point,” Bolton said. “He’s been great in that department, and we’ll continue to see him grow.”
Bolton actually has long been a fan of Norman-Lott’s; that goes back to Chiefs rookie minicamp, when Bolton studied Norman-Lott’s practice film on his iPad while noting the defensive tackle’s eyes were in the right place for most of the plays.
There still will be plenty to learn. Norman-Lott said one of the biggest challenges has been trying to succeed against a talented Chiefs interior offensive line in practice.
In particular, that’s meant battling against Chiefs All-Pro center Creed Humphrey.
“Humphrey is a brick wall,” Norman-Lott said with a smile. “I’m not laughing. Seriously.”
Norman-Lott also has to hear about any mistakes from Jones, who doesn’t take things easy on the young guys.
“He’s unforgivable with us,” Norman-Lott said, “but that’s only going to make us grow.”
Jones himself gave an honest assessment of Norman-Lott’s abilities. He likes the rookie’s ability to rush the passer, but also noted he will have to work on his techniques and fundamentals.
In particular, Norman-Lott said he’s working now to improve his second pass-rush move while also focusing on keeping his body low to better defend against the run.
The Chiefs would certainly benefit if Norman-Lott could be a major contributor right away. Outside of Jones, KC doesn’t have a lot of additional depth at D-tackle, with rotational veteran Mike Pennel returning and journeyman Jerry Tillery joining the team in free agency.
Norman-Lott said he’s taking his responsibilities in training camp seriously. With rookie defensive end Ashton Gillotte as his roommate, Norman-Lott said the pair mostly spent their downtime on two activities.
“Sleep and studying,” Norman-Lott said. “There’s no more time for nothing else.”
