From Draft Risk to Kansas City's Bright Hope

The Kansas City Chiefs are betting big on rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons to fix their struggling offensive line. Despite falling to the 32nd pick in the NFLDraft-0.html target=_blank class=infotextkey>2025 NFL Draft after a knee injury at Ohio State, Simmons has shown early promise that's exciting coaches and analysts alike.

Pre-Injury Dominance

Before his 2024 season ended early, Simmons stood out as one of college football's best left tackles. His 0.6% pressure rate and 82.2 PFF pass-blocking grade put him in the top 10 nationally. At 6'5" and 310 pounds, he combines rare agility with technical precision - clocking a 4.98-second 40-yard dash while maintaining power against NFL-sized defenders.

Solving the Chiefs' Biggest Weakness

Last season's 36 sacks on Patrick Mahomes reached crisis levels during Super Bowl LIX, where the Eagles' defense overwhelmed Kansas City's line. The Chiefs' solution? Pairing free agent Jaylon Moore with Simmons to create competition at left tackle.

Coaching Staff Confidence

"His football IQ surprises me daily," Head Coach Andy Reid noted after offseason workouts. Simmons has been studying with veteran Guard Joe Thuney, accelerating his recovery timeline. Though not yet cleared for full contact, his minicamp performance suggests he could challenge for starting reps by training camp.

Pro Bowl Potential Meets Practical Realities

Analysts see Simmons as the prototype modern tackle. His 33-inch arms and quick feet make him equally effective against speed rushers and power moves. PFF's Dalton Wasserman observes: "He's the missing piece that could transform this line from liability to strength."

Durability Questions Remain

The main concern is Simmons' injury history. While his college transition from San Diego State to Ohio State showed impressive development, NFL defenders will test his rebuilt knee. The Chiefs' medical team reports his rehab progress exceeds expectations, but Week 1 against Myles Garrett will be the real test.