The Kansas City Chiefs selected offensive tackle Josh Simmons in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The offensive line has been a concern for the Chiefs, and they addressed that flaw in this year’s draft.
Former Eagles center Jason Kelce hyped the Chiefs’ rookie OL last week. Now, Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis made his feelings clear about Simmons.
George Karlaftis Shares His Opinion on Jason Kelce’s Comments About Josh Simmons
Eagles legend Kelce co-hosts the “New Heights Podcast” with his brother, Travis Kelce. During the June 25 episode of the show, Jason drew parallels between Simmons and an 11-time Pro Bowler. He said that the Chiefs’ rookie reminds him of the San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams.
“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 said. (30:10)
The Chiefs’ camp seems to be on the same page as the Super Bowl LII champion. During an episode of the “Speak” show, Chiefs DE Karlaftis shared his take on Simmons and the seven-time Pro Bowler’s comments.
“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 said.
“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.”
Williams is entering his 15th season this year and has earned a Pro Bowl honor in all but three seasons. Simmons has a lot to do if he wants to bring Jason and Karlaftis’ comments to life.
Patrick Mahomes was sacked 36 times during the regular season and six more times in Super Bowl 59. The Chiefs knew they had to make serious changes if they wanted to stay in the hunt for another Lombardi Trophy this season.
They used their first-round pick to bring Simmons in at No. 32 overall. His final college season at Ohio State was cut short by a major knee injury, but he gave up just one quarterback pressure in six games for the Buckeyes.
If Simmons gets healthy and holds up in pass protection the way Kansas City hopes he will, the Chiefs could be even more dangerous in their Super Bowl chase.