As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the San Francisco 49ers are intensifying their preparations and have set their sights on Tennessee defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott. According to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, the 49ers will host Norman-Lott for a pre-draft visit, signaling their keen interest in bolstering their defensive front.
Norman-Lott, who stands 6 feet 2 inches and weighs 291 pounds, is recognized for his quickness, a trait that makes him a fitting candidate for the 49ers' defensive line coach, Kris Kocurek. Barrows noted, "Norman-Lott's game is built on quickness, making him a good fit for Kris Kocurek." The 49ers are looking to reinforce their interior line, especially after the offseason departures of key players like Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins.
In his college career, Norman-Lott spent three seasons at Arizona State before transferring to Tennessee in 2023. During his time with the Volunteers, he played two seasons, making a significant impact. In 2024, he appeared in 13 games, all as a reserve, and recorded 18 tackles, four of which were for a loss, along with four sacks. Over his five-year college career, he accumulated a total of 89 tackles, 17 for loss, and 13.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
His performance at the NFL Scouting Combine further solidified his status as a promising prospect. Although he did not run the 40-yard dash, he impressed with a 31.5-inch vertical jump and a broad jump of 9 feet, 5 inches. Pro Football Focus ranks Norman-Lott as the No. 9 interior defensive lineman on its pre-draft big board and the No. 66 player overall. In 2024, he earned a 69.4 overall grade, with an impressive pass-rush grade of 81.6, marking his career best.
Norman-Lott is not just on the 49ers' radar; he has nine pre-draft visits lined up, indicating the high demand for his skills. His quickness and explosiveness make him a valuable asset for teams looking to enhance their defensive capabilities. The 49ers, known for their dominant front seven, could utilize Norman-Lott as a rotational player initially, gradually increasing his workload as the season progresses.
As the draft approaches, the 49ers' strategy will be closely watched, particularly in light of the changes to their roster. The departures of Hargrave and Collins leave a gap that Norman-Lott could potentially fill, adding depth and skill to a defensive line that has historically been a strength for the franchise.
Other teams, such as the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons, are also eyeing Norman-Lott. The Bengals, who have been building young talent in recent drafts, could benefit from his pass-rushing abilities, providing much-needed pressure from the interior line. The Falcons, who struggled last season with only 31 sacks, could see Norman-Lott as a valuable addition to bolster their defensive line after the departure of Grady Jarrett.
In summary, Omarr Norman-Lott is generating significant interest ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, with the San Francisco 49ers leading the charge for his services. His combination of quickness and explosiveness makes him an intriguing prospect, and his ability to contribute immediately could be a game-changer for whichever team selects him.
