The Washington Commanders need to address their issues at EDGE after losing their leading sacker, Dante Fowler Jr., to the Dallas Cowboys. The pass rush needs a reliable starter who can line up alongside Dorance Armstrong. Adding Deatrich Wise Jr. and Jacob Martin provides them with much-needed depth, but neither player offers long-term stability.
Because of this, the Commanders could select an EDGE rusher either on Day 1 or 2 of the upcoming draft.
Washington Commanders hosting an underrated pass rusher
Louisville Cardinals, Ashton Gillotte
Jul 24, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Ashton Gillotte speaks to the media during the ACC Kickoff at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
According to Dave Heilman, the Commanders will host former Louisville Cardinals EDGE rusher Ashton Gillotte on a Top-30 visit. Gillotte is an underrated defender because he can play both inside as an interior defensive lineman and outside as an EDGE rusher. He is also very athletic, running a blazing 4.63 40-time, which is very good for a 264-pounder, and scoring an impressive 9.75 Relative Athletic Score.
Very popular player after the combine, stock on the riseš
āļøāļøRecruit to 1st Team All-American
Louisville had representatives from all 32 teams at his pro day
Top 30 visits scheduled with @Panthers and @Commanders https://t.co/lnjnF97bLY
ā Dave Heilman NFL (@DynastyDorks) April 2, 2025
He had a great career with Louisville
Louisville Cardinals, Ashton Gillotte
Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Ashton Gillotte (9) brings down Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Devin Leary (13) for a sack in the first half Saturday. Nov. 25, 2023.
Ashton Gillotte committed to the Louisville Cardinals as a three-star recruit for the 2021 season. Gillotte had a great career with Louisville, recording 131 tackles, 41 TFLs, 26.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in 51 games. His accolades include being named First Team All-ACC in 2023 and Second Team All-ACC in 2024.
Gillotte took a slight step back in production during his junior year, posting fewer tackles, TFLs, stops, pressures, and sacks than his breakout junior season. He recorded 43 tackles, ten TFLs, and 4.5 sacks in 12 games. He also posted 23 stops and 57 pressures, according to PFF.
Hereās Lance Zierleinās scouting report on Ashton Gillotte
Louisville Cardinals, Ashton Gillotte
Louisville defensive end Ashton Gillotte runs a 40-yard dash in 4.63 during Pro Day at the UofL Footballās Trager Indoor Practice Facility Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
āProductive and experienced, Gillotte shines with his ability to threaten the pocket. His rush isnāt overly complicated, but he can collapse the pocket with power, beat up the edge with violent hands and sneak past guards with snap quickness when playing inside.
āHeās powerful but doesnāt have a solid anchor to hold his ground as a run defender. Iāve graded Gillotte as a 4-3 defensive end, but he has the athletic ability to stand and play 3-4 outside ābacker.ā
Zierlein predicts that Gillotte will become a good backup with the potential to develop into a starter.
For More Great Gridiron Heroics Content:
Follow me on X @JacksonLoschko, and follow us@GridironHeroics for more great content. If you have any questions, you can message me onLinkedIn. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest inNFL and College Football,click here.
Thank you for reading my articles. It is greatly appreciated.