The Detroit Lions under GM Brad Holmes have sought a particular type of EDGE pass rusher: heavier than 260 pounds, power-to-speed over speed-to-power, ability to play multiple spots along the defensive line, good run defender.
Ashton Gillotte checks those boxes as a 2025 NFL Draft prospect.
Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville
- 6-foot-3, 275 pounds (listed by Louisville)
- 15.5 sacks, 88 total tackles, 22.5 TFLs in 25 games over the last two seasons
- 3-time Academic All-ACC
- Competed in CrossFit, weightlifting and track as well as football in high school
- Age unlisted, but was high school class of 2021 in Florida
Games watched: Miami FL, Clemson, Notre Dame, SMU, Pittsburgh, Kentucky, Virginia Tech (’23)
Positives
- Very impressive power-to-speed outside rush
- Jolting initial bull-rush contact and follows it with strong leg drive
- Good finishing and tackling power
- Consistently sets a hard edge against the run and can steer the action into the hole
- Doesn’t bite on fakes or misdirection often
- Decent straight-line and backside chase speed for his size
- High-effort player on every snap; makes hustle plays and clean-up tackles all over the formation
Negatives
- Lacks twitch and acceleration off the snap
- Has some tightness in his ankles and hips
- Needs to develop more pass-rush moves that don’t involve starting off a bull rush
- Presents his chest to blockers at times; appears to have short arms for his height (Combine/pro day to verify)
- Played too tall when kicking inside
Overall
Gillotte is a power-based, “crush-the-can” type of EDGE the Lions have typically coveted. While he’s not long or particularly athletic, Gillotte consistently wins from a standard DE alignment against both the run and the pass.
There are times when his outstanding bull rush and high football IQ can dominate, particularly against zone-run schemes and quarterbacks who hold the ball too long. There are also times when his athletic limitations and unrefined hand usage render him ineffective. There was some growth to his technical prowess over the course of the final two seasons, so the young Gillotte still has some upside, albeit tempered with an athletic ceiling.
The Gillotte who played against Pittsburgh and Clemson should be a top-40 pick. The one who played against SMU and Notre Dame should be available when the Lions pick at the end of the third round. Split the difference and Gillotte is a player who the Lions should have some interest in with their second-round pick.