Josh Simmons has the makings of a franchise-altering player for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025. Despite being drafted 32nd overall due to injury concerns, the Ohio State product possesses the talent and attributes that could make him one of the most impactful rookies in the NFL this season.
Physical Tools and Athletic Profile
Simmons brings exceptional athletic gifts to Kansas City. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 317 pounds with 33-inch arms, he combines ideal size with rare movement skills for an offensive tackle. His pre-draft measurables were impressive, including 33 bench press reps at his pro day, which would have tied for the most at the NFL Combine.
What sets Simmons apart is his extraordinary foot speed and lateral mobility. Scouts consistently praise his ability to mirror pass rushers and his tremendous athletic poise and body control. Jason Kelce, a Hall of Fame center, compared him to elite tackles like Trent Williams, noting his exceptional strength and athleticism. This athleticism allows him to excel in both pass protection and as a puller in the run game.
Technical Skills and Pass Protection Excellence
Simmons’ technical foundation is remarkably advanced for a rookie. In his limited 2024 season before injury, he allowed zero sacks and just one pressure total across six games. His pass protection technique features clean, crisp setups with excellent pad level and active hands. He demonstrates superior spatial awareness, particularly in handling stunts and games with his left guard.
The former Buckeye’s ability to get depth in his drop, taking away the edge from speed rushers while maintaining balance through the quarterback’s drop, makes him ideally suited for protecting Patrick Mahomes. His recovery skills are exceptional—he rarely loses a rep outright and can quickly redirect when defenders attempt to beat him around the edge.
Injury Recovery and Current Status
Simmons suffered a torn patellar tendon in October 2024 against Oregon, which required surgery and caused him to miss the remainder of Ohio State’s national championship season. However, his recovery has exceeded expectations. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid revealed in June that Simmons is further ahead than expected and will be ready for full participation in training camp.
The Chiefs’ medical staff and coaching staff have been impressed with his rehabilitation progress. Simmons has been participating in individual and group drills during OTAs and might even see some team periods before camp begins. This accelerated timeline suggests his long-term health outlook is very positive.
Scheme Fit and Role Projections
Simmons appears to be the Chiefs’ preferred solution at left tackle if healthy. Reports indicate that if Simmons is ready to go, he’ll be the starting left tackle Day 1, with veteran signing Jaylon Moore serving as Plan B. This represents a significant vote of confidence in a rookie coming off major injury.
His college experience in Chip Kelly’s pro-style offense at Ohio State has prepared him well for Andy Reid’s system. Simmons noted that transitioning to the Chiefs’ playbook wasn’t as hard because of his background in Kelly’s NFL-style scheme. This familiarity should accelerate his learning curve and early impact.
Teammate and Coaching Praise
The praise from Chiefs veterans and coaches has been overwhelmingly positive. Travis Kelce observed that Simmons is so balanced and such a big athlete with rare recovery skills. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy highlighted his rare athleticism and noted that Simmons has really been locked in during meetings and practices.
Veteran guard Trey Smith, who will work closely with Simmons on the left side, said he loves him already and praised his mentality and demeanor. This early chemistry and acceptance from teammates suggests Simmons will integrate seamlessly into the Chiefs’ culture.
Draft Value and Analyst Grades
Multiple analysts graded Simmons’ selection as an exceptional value pick. Some noted that Simmons is the best athlete in the OT class and has the upside to be a high-level starter. Others called him the best tackle in this class when healthy.
The consensus among draft experts was that Simmons would have been a top-10 pick if healthy, making his availability at 32nd overall a significant steal. His combination of elite athleticism, technical refinement, and scheme versatility makes him an ideal fit for the Chiefs’ needs.
2025 Season Outlook
Simmons has the potential to be transformative for Kansas City’s offense in 2025. The Chiefs’ offensive line was a major weakness in their Super Bowl loss, with Mahomes taking a career-high six sacks in the championship game. Simmons’ addition could stabilize the most important position on the line.
If he wins the starting left tackle job, Simmons would be protecting Mahomes’ blind side for potentially the next decade. His athletic profile suggests he can handle elite pass rushers, while his technical skills indicate he can contribute immediately rather than needing extensive development time.
The Chiefs’ championship aspirations may well hinge on Simmons’ ability to solidify their offensive line. With his combination of talent, preparation, and supporting cast, he’s positioned to be one of the most impactful rookies in the NFL and a cornerstone piece for Kansas City’s continued success.
Based on his elite athletic tools, advanced technical skills, accelerated recovery timeline, and overwhelming organizational support, Josh Simmons has the potential to be not just very good, but genuinely elite for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025.