The Kansas City Chiefs were in dire need of a left tackle after trading away veteran starter Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears earlier this offseason.
In their quest to return to the Super Bowl for what could be the fourth time in a row, the Chiefs saw some luck go there way in the 2025 NFL Draft to help this O-line need.
Josh Simmons slipped deep into the first round and KC wasted no time getting him. The Chiefs traded up one pick with the Philadelphia Eagles to draft the 6-5, 317-pound tackle from Ohio State.
A recent knee injury may be the reason Simmons was drafted much later than he was projected. He suffered a torn patellar tendon last season with the Buckeyes during their College Football Playoff championship season.
His recovery could be worrisome, especially with the high hopes he brings the organization and fans as a plug-and-play protector for Patrick Mahomes.
Head coach Andy Reid spoke to the media about Simmons after observing before OTAs. His reaction to the rookie should boost the spirits of Chiefs Kingdom.
"He's one that didn't work this week ... he's further ahead than I thought he was," Reid said.
Although he is taking a slow return to the field, the coaching staff's plan for him seems to prelude an impactful role on the team once he's healthy.
"We've kept him out of the team stuff ... He's done a good job with what we've given him. We've just got to get him in where he's going against a defense."
Once they gauge how he plays against an opposing line, the Chiefs will then see if Simmons has what it takes to fill their starting left tackle spot. Going against a rush of Chris Jones and George Karlaftis on the blind side will be a great test for the young lineman to prove himself.
In an earlier report by ESPN, Simmons has a chance to crack the lineup even despite the Chiefs signing lineman Jaylon Moore as a precaution.
"If Josh Simmons is ready to go, he will be the Chiefs' starting left tackle to begin the season," Adam Teicher said.
We will see if Reid begins to agree with this idea, but for now, the Chiefs head coach is liking what he is seeing from his first-round pick.