In April, the Kansas City Chiefs made a significant move by selecting offensive tackle Josh Simmons from Ohio State as their first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, taking him 32nd overall. This strategic decision underscores the team’s ongoing quest to solidify their offensive line, particularly the left tackle position, which has been a persistent area of concern over recent seasons.
The decision to draft Simmons was not made lightly. The Chiefs have struggled to find a reliable player to fill the left tackle spot, experimenting with various options to little avail. This offseason, they not only drafted Simmons but also signed former San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Jaylon Moore in free agency. Moore had stepped up as the starting left tackle for the 49ers when All-Pro Trent Williams was sidelined due to injury late last season.
Jason Kelce’s High Praise
Last week, retired All-Pro and Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce expressed his admiration for Simmons on his podcast, “New Heights,” co-hosted with his brother, Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce. Jason Kelce compared Simmons to Trent Williams, highlighting his exceptional strength and athleticism.
“I’ve watched a lot of these linemen coming out the last few years. This kid, I mean, he is the closest thing I’ve seen to like a Trent Williams, like that next-level strength and athleticism. The only reason he fell to you guys is because of that injury,” Jason Kelce remarked.
Kelce’s endorsement has not gone unnoticed, particularly among those within the Chiefs organization and the broader NFL community.
George Karlaftis Backs the Comparison
This week, Chiefs’ edge rusher George Karlaftis echoed Jason Kelce’s sentiments during an appearance on the show “Speak.” Karlaftis expressed his confidence in Simmons and agreed with the favorable comparison to Trent Williams, emphasizing Simmons’ athleticism and potential.
“Jason knows what he’s talking about when he’s talking about alignment, right? But, you know, there’s definitely a lot of shades there. Just with the athleticism alone, his size, I think that’s a fair comparison, just off the intangibles alone,” Karlaftis stated. “Let’s see how he develops. I think he has all the tools, the intangibles, and the work ethic to be as great as he wants to be. Yeah, it’s all about putting in the work at the end of the day. So, I would agree with Jason’s comparison, for sure.”
The Road Ahead for Simmons
The endorsement from both Kelce and Karlaftis places a spotlight on Simmons as he embarks on his professional career. The Chiefs’ investment in Simmons, both in terms of draft capital and developmental focus, indicates their belief in his potential to anchor the offensive line for years to come. However, Simmons’ journey will be closely watched, as he must translate his collegiate success and physical attributes into NFL performance.
Historically, the transition from college to the NFL can be challenging for offensive linemen, who must adapt to faster, more complex defensive schemes. Yet, the Chiefs’ recent moves suggest a strategic plan to nurture Simmons’ growth, pairing him with experienced players like Jaylon Moore and benefiting from the insights of seasoned veterans like Travis Kelce.
Implications for the Chiefs
The Chiefs’ efforts to strengthen their offensive line are part of a broader strategy to protect their star quarterback and enhance their offensive capabilities. A solid offensive line is crucial for maintaining a balanced attack, allowing for both effective passing and running plays. Should Simmons fulfill his potential, he could become a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line, contributing to the team’s success in the highly competitive AFC.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Simmons and his development. The Chiefs’ coaching staff, along with fans and analysts, will be eager to see if Simmons can live up to the high expectations set by his draft position and the glowing endorsements from respected figures in the NFL.
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