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'Of course you want to play more' - Omarr Norman-Lott addresses his lack of playing time with the Tennessee Vols

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated May 4, 2025 10:58 AM ET

One of the biggest concerns about Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott, a second round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, is the low snap count he received while playing with the Tennessee Vols.

Norman-Lott played just 17 snaps per game for the Volunteers last season, leading to some analysts questioning if he can handle a heavier workload in the NFL.

The former Vol, who started his career at Arizona State before transferring to Tennessee, addressed his playing time at UT after participating in rookie minicamp with the Chiefs on Saturday.

"Of course you want to play more," said Norman-Lott. "But we had a rotation of six defensive tackles that could all start in the SEC. And my position coach, if you don't know who he is, Rodney Garner, an incredible coach, he believes in keeping his guys fresh.

"So I took my opportunities that I was given and I made the best of it. And to hit on your second part, it will be the same thing in the NFL. Whatever opportunities I have, I'm going to make the best of it -- whether it's more or less."

There was plenty of criticism about the Chiefs' decision to select Norman-Lott in the second round, partially due to his low snap count in college and also due to his size (some analysts think he's a bit of a "tweener" who isn't big enough to be a true inside player....I don't believe that's necessarily a fair assessment).

Norman-Lott, however, isn't concerned about the outside noise. He's just ready to get to work and prove the doubters wrong.

"I'm very excited to go do it and prove all the naysayers wrong," said Norman-Lott. "But I'm not the kind of guy who listens to all of the outside chatter. I just focus on what I have at hand and stay where my feet are at and play hard."

Norman-Lott landed in a great situation in Kansas City. The former Tennessee standout gets to play beside a perennial Pro Bowler in defensive lineman Chris Jones, and he gets to play for arguably the best defensive coordinator in the league in Steve Spagnuolo.

You can't ask for much more if you're a rookie defender in the NFL.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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