Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo confirms promising rookie is already ascending the ranks after just nine snaps in Week 1 vs. Chargers
Kansas City Chiefs rookie DE Ashton Gillotte is expected to see more action in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
If you wanted to see more of Kansas City Chiefs rookie DE Ashton Gillotte in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, you’re not alone.
Despite playing just nine defensive snaps, Gillotte was one of the team’s most promising rookies in the Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The third-round draft pick out of Louisville recorded one pressure, one tackle, and a defensive stop, according to Pro Football Focus. The effort, along with a spin move counter to create pressure on Justin Herbert, was notable.
Asked about Gillotte’s performance and whether he had earned more playing time, Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo confirmed what the tape and numbers showed in Week 1.
“Yeah, absolutely,” Spagnuolo said. “You guys wouldn’t have been out for one-on-ones yesterday, right? We did them a little later in practice, but I thought he did a really nice job in one-on-ones. So he’ll play — he got that elbow (injury) — otherwise, I think he would have had more plays in the game. But we’ll keep trying to gear him up.”
If not for the elbow injury, we would’ve seen more of the rookie against Los Angeles in Brazil. Spags isn’t the only one singing Gillotte’s praises, either.
Chiefs rookie DE Ashton Gillotte gets DT Chris Jones’ stamp of approval
Chiefs DT Chris Jones is the centerpiece of Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme, and he has historically been pretty tough to impress. Asked about the Chiefs’ rookie defensive end, Jones seemed pleased by the progress Gillotte has made so far.
“He’s coming along,” Jones said. “You know, he’s still young, so we can’t put too much responsibility on Ashton. But in everything we’ve asked of him, he’s done well, and I think he’ll continue to get better throughout the year.”
This is only the beginning for Gillotte, but also a promising start for a rookie who plays a position where the Chiefs sorely need some help.
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