Kansas City, MO – June 3, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs made headlines in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Josh Simmons, an offensive tackle from Ohio State, with the 32nd overall pick in the first round. Dubbed a “defensive monster” by analysts and fans alike, Simmons is already turning heads at the team’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and is poised to become a critical protector for superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes as the Chiefs aim to rebound from their Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Josh Simmons: A Perfect Fit for the Chiefs’ Offensive Line

At 22 years old, standing 6’5” and weighing 311 pounds, Simmons combines ideal size, strength, and agility. During his time at Ohio State, he was regarded as one of the top offensive tackles in the NCAA, excelling at neutralizing elite pass rushers and creating lanes for the run game. According to ESPN, Simmons posted an impressive PFF pass-blocking grade of 85.6 in the 2024 season, allowing just 2 sacks over 400-plus pass-blocking snaps.

A post on X from the account @Daily_Chiefs_ on April 25, 2025, described Simmons as “an absolute monster on the offensive line—size, power, agility. Mahomes just got a new bodyguard!” NFL.com analysts have drawn comparisons to former Chiefs star Orlando Brown Jr., who was a key protector for Mahomes before leaving the team.

“Josh is a phenomenal pick for the Chiefs,” ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid said. “He has the potential to be a top-tier left tackle, bringing stability to an offensive line that was overwhelmed in Super Bowl LIX, where Mahomes was sacked six times.”

Chiefs’ Offensive Line Woes: A Pressing Need

The 2024 season exposed vulnerabilities in the Chiefs’ offensive line, most notably in their 40-22 loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Mahomes faced pressure on 29 of 56 dropbacks—the highest in a Super Bowl—and was sacked three times, per Pro Football Reference. Weaknesses at left tackle and inconsistent play across the line prompted the Chiefs to prioritize their offensive front in the 2025 draft.

Simmons is expected to step into the left tackle role immediately, replacing D.J. Humphries, who struggled with inconsistency and injuries in 2024. Paired with stalwarts like Joe Thuney and Creed Humphrey, Simmons could help form a more formidable offensive line, giving Mahomes the time needed to execute his signature deep passes and improvisational plays.

Fan and Coaching Reactions

Chiefs fans on X erupted with excitement following Simmons’ selection. One user wrote, “Josh Simmons is the answer to our O-line problems! Mahomes will have all day to shred defenses!” Another commented, “Smartest pick the Chiefs have made in years. Simmons is a beast!”

Head coach Andy Reid expressed enthusiasm during a post-draft press conference: “Josh brings toughness and a competitive edge we need. He’s gone up against top pass rushers in college and never backed down. We believe he’ll help Patrick shine even brighter.”

Simmons’ Potential and Challenges

Reports from NFL.com and FOX Sports highlight Simmons as one of the 2025 first-round rookies best positioned for immediate success. Joining a veteran-laden team led by Mahomes—one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history—and supported by an offensive line bolstered by free-agent addition Mekhi Becton at right guard, Simmons is in an ideal environment to thrive.

However, Simmons faces significant challenges. He’ll square off against elite AFC West pass rushers like Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders) and Joey Bosa (Los Angeles Chargers) twice a season. Additionally, a minor knee injury from his Ohio State days raises slight concerns, though pre-draft medical evaluations confirmed he’s fully recovered.

Expectations for the 2025 Season

With Simmons in the fold, the Chiefs are focused on addressing the shortcomings of their 2024 campaign and building an offensive line capable of protecting Mahomes more effectively. Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champion and two-time NFL MVP, spoke highly of his new lineman in a recent interview: “I’m pumped to have Josh here. He brings energy and confidence, which our O-line needs.”

A CBSSports.com analysis suggested that if Simmons lives up to his potential, he could help Mahomes “turn back the clock” to his 2018 season, when he threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns. The combination of Simmons, offensive weapons like Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy, and rookie Jalen Royals (fourth round, 2025) could make the Chiefs’ offense a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Conclusion

Drafting Josh Simmons in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft was a strategic move by the Kansas City Chiefs to safeguard their most valuable asset: Patrick Mahomes. Hailed as a “defensive monster,” Simmons brings not only physical prowess and technical skill but also renewed hope for a Chiefs team looking to reclaim their throne after the Super Bowl LIX defeat. As OTAs progress, Chiefs Kingdom eagerly awaits to see how Simmons transforms the offensive line into an impenetrable fortress for the 2025 season