Eyes on the Draft: Could Omarr Norman-Lott Be the Colts’ Next Disruptive Weapon on the Defensive Line?
Alright Colts fans, buckle up—because it’s that time of year again. The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and there’s no shortage of buzz about who might be rocking the horseshoe helmet next. Over the next few weeks, we'll be spotlighting draft prospects that might just end up in Indy. Today’s feature? A high-motor interior lineman who might not be a household name yet—but he’s definitely making noise.
Say hello to Tennessee defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott.
🔥 Quick-Hit Highlights:
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Name: Omarr Norman-Lott
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Position: Defensive Tackle
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College: Tennessee (with prior time at Arizona State)
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Height/Weight: 6'1", 291 lbs
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Relative Athletic Score (RAS): 5.94
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Notable Trait: Explosive pass rusher with disruptive energy and relentless motor
📊 Let’s Talk Numbers
Norman-Lott hasn’t exactly had the most traditional college path—he’s been more of a rotational piece than a full-time starter, logging just 976 total snaps over five seasons. But don’t let the snap count fool you—this guy knows how to make his presence felt.
In the 2024 season, he played 225 snaps and had his best year as a pass rusher by far. He racked up 27 pressures and 5 sacks, making him one of the most efficient interior disruptors in the class. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he even ranked #1 among all interior defensive linemen in pass rush productivity—a stat that measures pressure relative to opportunities.
The year before, in 2023, he was more of a run-stuffer, grading out as one of PFF’s higher-rated interior run defenders. Even in 2024, though his focus shifted more toward rushing the quarterback, he still held his own in run defense.
So what does that tell us?
👉 Norman-Lott isn’t just a one-dimensional athlete. He brings value on multiple downs, whether it’s collapsing the pocket or fighting through double teams to clog run lanes.
🎯 Scouting Breakdown: What the Experts Are Saying
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein describes Norman-Lott as “an undersized interior defender” who thrives in chaos—particularly in one-gap schemes where speed and disruption take priority over brute strength.
Here’s a quick snapshot from Zierlein’s scouting report:
“He has plus snap quickness and is talented at reading and beating move blocks. He’s a rangy run defender with a full tank of gas but will struggle against downhill rushing attacks aimed at him. Norman-Lott is an energetic pass rusher with a high pressure rate. He plays with harmonious hands and feet that work to and around edges, but he won’t offer much as a power rusher.”
Translation? He may not be your traditional two-gap clogger, but if you need someone who can knife into the backfield and cause chaos—Norman-Lott is your guy.
🧩 How He Fits With the Colts
Let’s be real: the Colts’ defensive line has been a tale of two stories. On one hand, they’ve got absolute studs in DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart—arguably one of the league’s most underrated DT duos. But after those two? The depth falls off a cliff.
In 2024, Taven Bryan and Raekwon Davis (both now free agents) were getting smoked—ranking near the bottom in both pass-rush win rate and run stop rate. That’s not just underwhelming—it’s a vulnerability. When Buckner and Stewart weren’t on the field, offenses didn’t hesitate to take advantage.
There’s cautious optimism that Neville Gallimore could step up, and maybe Adetomiwa Adebawore makes the Year 3 leap. But the truth is, neither has proven consistency yet. Plus, Gallimore is on a one-year deal—so he’s more of a stopgap than a long-term solution.
Here’s where Norman-Lott becomes really interesting.
He wouldn’t be asked to start right away, and that’s perfect. Instead, he could be the disruptive rotational presence that keeps the pressure coming even when the starters hit the sideline. In a position group that thrives on depth and rotation, Norman-Lott could thrive.
💡 Why Norman-Lott Could Be a Sneaky Good Pick
Let’s face it: Norman-Lott doesn’t have first-round hype, and that’s actually a good thing for Indy. In a deep defensive tackle class, GM Chris Ballard might be able to snag him in the middle or late rounds—getting great value without burning early capital.
Here’s what makes him stand out:
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Explosiveness off the snap – His first step is elite.
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High-pressure rate – Even on limited snaps, he’s finding ways to beat blocks and get to the QB.
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Scheme versatility – Best fit for a one-gap system, but he has enough instincts to adapt.
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Effort motor – Plays with serious energy on every snap.
Sure, his size (6'1", 291 lbs) isn’t ideal for eating double teams, and he probably won’t be your short-yardage anchor. But if you want a guy who can sub in on 2nd and 3rd downs and wreak havoc on passing plays—he’s absolutely worth a look.
🚨 What’s the Draft Outlook?
Because he’s a bit of a tweener size-wise and hasn’t logged a ton of starting reps, Norman-Lott probably won’t hear his name called in the first two days of the draft. But on Day 3? He could be one of the better under-the-radar picks.
Think of him as a developmental guy with immediate rotational upside and the tools to grow into a bigger role.
If the Colts are looking to shore up their depth behind Buckner and Stewart without reaching early in the draft, Norman-Lott should be near the top of their mid-to-late round board.
🎬 Final Thoughts
Omarr Norman-Lott might not be the flashiest name in this year’s draft class, but there’s a lot to like here. He’s quick. He’s disruptive. He’s got a chip on his shoulder. And in the right system—like Indy’s—he could absolutely thrive.
Whether it’s forcing third-and-longs or blowing up run plays before they develop, Norman-Lott’s potential is clear. He may be a rotational piece to start, but don’t be surprised if he turns into something more.
And hey—every team needs that kind of spark plug off the bench.
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