Sports Illustrated makes strong prediction for former Tennessee Vols DL Omarr Norman-Lott in 2025

Sports Illustrated made an optimistic prediction for former Tennessee Vols defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott in 2025. 

Norman-Lott, who transferred from Arizona State to Tennessee ahead of the 2023 season, was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round (No. 63 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Sports Illustrated thinks Norman-Lott will be the Chiefs' best rookie in 2025. 

From SI.com: It’ll be interesting to see how the Chiefs’ left tackle situation unfolds, as first-round pick Josh Simmons, who’s still rehabbing from a torn patellar tendon sustained in October, competes with free agent signing Jaylon Moore for the starting job. Norman-Lott faces no such questions. The Tennessee product is a potent interior pass rusher. With Chris Jones commanding extra attention next to him, Norman-Lott will have plenty of advantageous opportunities to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.

Some folks viewed Norman-Lott as a first round talent in this year's draft. But he fell to the second round in large part because there was concern over the low amount of snaps that he played at Tennessee (Norman-Lott averaged around 17 snaps per game in 2024 with the Vols). 

The main reason that Norman-Lott didn't play more snaps is because of Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner's philosophy. Garner prefers to utilize a deep defensive line rotation, which keeps players fresh for late game situations (and throughout the season). 

Norman-Lott will have the opportunity to make a big impact with the Chiefs in 2025, it's just up to him to seize that opportunity.