Despite Chiefs fans clamoring for more help along the defensive edge unit, perhaps the biggest reason for not bringing in a proven veteran is the second-year jump expected from last year's early third-round pick, Ashton Gillotte. George Karlaftis remains KC's best option at edge, and while rookie R Mason Thomas should provide the Chiefs with a newfound speed element rushing the quarterback, Gillotte leaping into a multi-down starter could be the difference in the Chiefs' defensive line getting back to its 2022 form, when they had 50-plus sacks.
When asked what it was like rewatching his rookie self on tape, Gillotte was very upfront and honest about his performance. “I’m being honest, I didn’t like how I looked on film; I think there’s some things I can learn from," he said. "I didn't move like myself or play exactly how I wanted to play, but those are all things I can learn from."
These were poignant words and not usually what you would expect to hear a player be so forthcoming about. Gillotte himself felt he underperformed in his rookie season, which is in line with what many Chiefs fans felt as well. He went on to explain how he's trying to use every game and every season as a building block to learn from.
"Not everyone’s journey is going to be the same, so I’m just trying to be patient and let it come to fruition. Every year is a new year, so for me it’s okay, build, build, build; leave on an up note, but can I pour onto that and keep the trajectory. That’s kinda my goal."
Ashton Gillotte taking a year-two leap would do wonders for the Chiefs' pass rush
Gillotte saw increased reps as the 2025 season went on. He finished with 38 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, three TFLs (tackles for loss), and a 14-yard interception. The production was passable for a rookie but far from what should be acceptable this season, as he'll no doubt see more than 47% of the defensive snaps, with veterans Charles Omenihu and Mike Danna no longer higher up in the pecking order.
Karlaftis had a down 2025 season, mainly due to an injury in his power hand. Chris Jones should benefit from an improved defensive tackle room, lessening the burden on his shoulders, and the secondary is completely revamped, featuring a top-10 draft pick in Mansoor Delane, a potential star in the making in Nohl Williams, and the welcome return of Super Bowl champion L'Jarius Sneed.
If Gillotte really took his rookie season to heart, which from his words seems like he did, he's got a nice blend of speed, power, and just enough flexibility to become a threat offenses have to start accounting for. It would give the Chiefs another wrinkle to a defense with so many new faces and so much unproven talent.
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