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Ashton Gillotte Is a Rugged Pass Rusher That Could Help the Commanders

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Louisville Cardinals v Virginia Cavaliers
Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Ashton Gillotte, DE/EDGE
School: University of Louisville | Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference
College Experience: Senior
Height / Weight: 6’3”/ 264 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd-4th round

Player Comparison: Olivier Vernon

College Statistics

Defense & Fumbles Table
Tackles Def Interceptions Fumbles
Season Team Conf Class Pos G Solo Ast Comb TFL Sk Int Yds IntTD PD FR Yds FRTD FF Awards
2021* Louisville ACC FR DL 13 15 4 19 8 4.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2022* Louisville ACC SO DL 12 12 12 24 8 7.0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1
2023* Louisville ACC JR DL 14 23 22 45 15 11.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3
2024* Louisville ACC SR DL 12 23 20 43 10 4.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career 51 73 58 131 41 26.5 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 4
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 3/19/2025.

Player Overview

A three-star two position recruit (DE/TE) from Boca Raton HS (FL), Ashton Gillotte chose Louisville over Maryland, Pitt, Syracuse, Duke, and Kansas. Gillotte became a starter in his second season, turning heads with his conference honorable mention honors. In his last two seasons, Gillotte has become the premier defensive lineman of the ACC, accumulating 120 total pressures (sacks + hurries + hits). Ashton had 15.5 sacks and 25 TFL (tackles for loss), and 3 FF (forced fumbles). Gillotte leaves as one of the most refined and productive defensive lineman in the conference.

Ashton Gillotte profiles as a versatile, refined power rusher. While scouts project Gillotte’s sawed-off build to limit his upside, Gillotte is able to make the most of his physical tools. His best attributes are his arm length and his heavy hands that he uses to mow down tackles and collapse the pocket. Gillotte shows the capability to anchor against double teams and set the edge in run defense. This is also coupled with his motor and effort in pursuit. He has a solid floor as a pass and run defender, capable of rushing from different positions. While he is not the exceptional athlete desired for the position, Ashton is a prospect who can be an immediate rotation player with a path of becoming a starter.

Awards & Recognition:

  • All-ACC Honorable Mention (2022)
  • First Team All-ACC (2023)
  • Second Team All-American (2023)
  • Second Team All-ACC (2024)
  • All-ACC Academic Team (2024)

Metrics

PFF: 87.8 overall graded. 89.9 pass rush grade (2024)

Strengths

  • Violent hands, effectively using them to combat blockers’ punches.
  • Great closing burst combined with a good motor and effort.
  • Able to collapse the pocket as a bull rusher. Has a decent swim move.
  • Effective rushing inside and outside.
  • Versatile, effective as a 3-tech, 5-tech, or wide-9.
  • Able to set the edge as a run defender, taking on blocks with solid pad level.

Weaknesses

  • Scouts consider him a tweener.
  • Does not have coveted high-end speed.
  • Limited athletic upside.
  • Average bend, with some hip stiffness.
  • Doesn’t have the flexibility to be a great finesse rusher.

Let’s See His Work

Interviews

How Will He Fit On The Team

After the first wave of NFL free agency, the Commanders have addressed the defensive end position by signing two players. Barring any trades, it is suspected Washington will draft another defensive end to pair with Dorance Armstrong. Given the archetype of defensive ends Dan Quinn prefers, Ashton Gillotte would be a fit for the defense line that prefers versatility and a well-rounded game. Washington should be able to find ways to use Gillotte in various defensive line alignments.