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Chiefs rookie defensive end Ashton Gillotte admits he's eager to learn from one of Kansas City's current franchise legends
© Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Kansas City Chiefs' strategy early in the 2025 NFL Draft was to reinforce the team's depth in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Specifically, on the defensive side of the ball, the team sought to add some pass-rushing firepower at the defensive end position with Louisville's Ashton Gillotte atop the third round.

Gillotte is already familiar with one of his teammates, having trained with George Karlaftis alongside Coach Mark Hagen, who coached Karlaftis at Purdue and Gillotte at Louisville. Speaking to Bob Fescoe and Dusty Likins last week on 96.5 The Fan, Gillotte weighed in on what it'll be like to learn from one of Kansas City's current franchise legends. 

Chiefs DE Ashton Gillotte eager to learn from DT Chris Jones

Gillotte will likely get a chance to truly work with Chris Jones for the first time when voluntary OTAs begin in late May or when mandatory minicamp takes place in June. Right now, the vets and rookies are participating in Phase II of the offseason workout program, which allows individual and position group drills, but no pads or team drills yet.

While Gillotte is eager to learn from the multi-time All-Pro and Super Bowl champion, he does not want to overstep his bounds.

"Obviously, Chris Jones is a legend," Gillotte said. "And I don't want to over-jump the hand or anything. So, I just want to get in there and work, (and) see what I can learn from him. But obviously, I feel like that's a phenomenal person to learn from, just how many years he has and how dominant he's been for his career."

Jones has done a pretty great job of taking Karlaftis under his wing when the team added him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Expect a similar path and process for the third-rounder, Gillotte. 

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

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