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.
Travis Kelce shared some insight on Simmons’ performance during OTAs on the latest episode of the “New Heights” podcast.
Travis Kelce Talks Up Josh Simmons’ Potential to Anchor Kansas City Chiefs Line for Patrick Mahomes
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.
Jason Kelce asked Travis about the Chiefs’ outlook from OTAs. The tight end was on the field last week alongside several rookies. Jason was especially interested in how Simmons looked, considering he’s working back from a patella injury.
“Josh Simmons is, first of all, a great dude. Seems like he’s embracing this situation,” Travis said. “He is working hard to make sure that he’s ready by the time the season comes around or [be] as healthy as he can be.
“I’ve seen him over there working some pass sets and things like that,” Travis said. “When you see the guy move, he is so balanced, and he is such a big athlete. He doesn’t seem he is ever top-heavy. His legs are strong, his feet are in the ground. He is very precise with his movements.”
Travis added that Simmons probably gets a lot meaner once the pads go on and definitely brings something to the table. Jason pointed out that Simmons’ position was a big issue for Kansas City last season, and if the rookie can lock that spot down, it would be a huge relief for the team.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said earlier this week that Simmons is progressing faster than expected. While he hasn’t taken part in full-team drills yet, the team is hopeful he’ll be involved in some activities before Phase 3 ends.
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.
