Chiefs’ coaches say these 2 draft picks could see more snaps in final three games
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs plan to increase rookie DE Ashton Gillotte snaps over final three games
- Coaches cite Gillotte versatility in pass rush and occasional coverage tasks
- Fourth-round WR Jalen Royals expected to see expanded snaps in final three games
With the Kansas City Chiefs eliminated from playoff contention, the final three games of the season present an opportunity for younger players to showcase their talents.
On Thursday, Kansas City’s coordinators identified two draft picks who could be direct beneficiaries of that added playing time:
Defensive end Ashton Gillotte and wide receiver Jalen Royals.
Spagnuolo: Gillotte shows versatility
Gillotte, the Chiefs’ third-round NFL Draft pick this past spring, has played around 41% of KC’s defensive snaps — a number that should tick up over the season’s final stretch.
Gillotte is coming off what may already qualify as the highlight of his young pro career: an interception of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert last weekend at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
“He showed ball skills the other day, which was kind of cool,” Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo joked. “I think he’s on a great trajectory as far as what you want to get out of a rookie, a young guy — he’s around some veterans, I think, that have been a real big help to him.
“I think he’s got some versatility that maybe going forward we can do some different things with him. But right now, he’s getting as many reps as we can get him. I’d like to get him more in these next three games because I think he can do some things for us, but I’m real happy with what he’s done so far.”
Gillotte rarely dropped back in coverage during his high school and college football days, which made his interception even more impressive. Spagnuolo explained why that skill is important for his defensive scheme.
“It makes it a little bit tough for offenses and their protections at who’s coming and who’s not coming,” Spagnuolo said. “And so we’ll always have some version of that.
“Ashton’s what I call a natural knee-bender, and he’s got some athletic skill, change-of-direction wise. So when a guy can do that — going forward as a pass rusher and do it going back — that’s helpful for us, that versatility.”
Gillotte this season has totaled 27 tackles (11 solo), six quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks and an interception. He senses that he’s improved since the beginning of the season but wants to see continued growth.
“I definitely think it’s been a gradual thing, and I think I’m better than where I started the year,” Gillotte said. “It’s just obviously a comfortability thing — getting used to the level of play.
“Everyone’s a top player in this league, and you’re gonna get the best shot from everyone every week. So just being able to be more comfortable on the field, not think as much about plays and stuff — that’s kind of what has helped me — and just kind of continue to build.”
Nagy: Royals’ 2025 season has been like a redshirt year… so far
Royals’ rookie season has unfolded differently than Gillotte’s, as the fourth-round pick has yet to receive consistent playing time.
The final three games should give the Chiefs their best look yet at what he can do. “You want to see more time from him if possible,” offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said. “We’ve been in a position where these wide receivers that we had, we feel very fortunate with the guys that we’ve had for the middle of the season on, when Rashee (Rice) came back, and some of it’s just a numbers thing for him, and it’s almost like a redshirt year in a way.”
Royals’ season to date was partially derailed by knee tendinitis in mid-August. It sidelined him for the season’s opening weeks. During that span, Tyquan Thornton proved to be a reliable target.
By the time Royals took his initial offensive snaps in Week 4, Xavier Worthy had already returned from an injury. And then, a couple of weeks later, Rashee Rice reentered the fold following his suspension. “(Royals) was having a great training camp, great preseason, and he was kind of in a rhythm,” Chiefs receivers coach Connor Embree said. “Him and (Patrick Mahomes) were on the same page with stuff. And then I think it was just bad timing when all that (injury) stuff came. He worked his way through it and got through it. ...
“I really like where he’s at. He’s been working his butt off at practice and in the meeting room.”
Nagy has noticed that despite the limited playing time, Royals has continued to work hard a practice. He has yet to record his first regular-season catch, but perhaps that will change soon.
“I’m excited to see what he’s going to do, whether it’s these next three games and/or the future,” Nagy said. “Yes, it’s going to give some kids an opportunity to maybe get some more time that they wouldn’t have gotten, but it’s our job to see that and to give them those chances.”
