Kansas City Chiefs Host Top Offensive Line Prospect Josh Simmons
On Friday, the Kansas City Chiefs conducted a Top-30 visit with Josh Simmons, a left tackle from Ohio State, as they potentially look to bolster their offensive line during the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. Simmons stands out as one of the most promising offensive line talents available, making this visit an exciting opportunity for the team.
🌟 Player Background
Hailing from Helix High School in La Mesa, California, Simmons was a highly recruited four-star prospect, garnering attention from over two dozen college programs. He began his college career at San Diego State, where he redshirted in his freshman year. In 2022, he started 13 games at right tackle and then made the move to Ohio State in 2023. Throughout his two years with the Buckeyes, Simmons featured in 19 games as a left tackle before facing a significant setback due to a knee injury in the sixth game of the 2024 season.
At the NFL Combine, Simmons measured 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighed 317 pounds, boasting a wingspan of 33 inches and hand size of 10 inches. Unfortunately, he was unable to participate in athletic drills during the Combine since he was still recovering from a torn patellar tendon. However, he did impress with 34 repetitions on the bench press during his pro day.
Despite ongoing concerns surrounding his draft stock due to the injury, many experts anticipate he could be selected in the later portion of the first round, making him a candidate for Kansas City's 31st pick.
While Simmons may not fit the traditional mold for offensive tackles, especially with slightly shorter arms than the Chiefs typically desire, his game tape showcases his natural abilities and skill set, pointing toward his potential to shine at the professional level.
🎥 Film Analysis: What Makes Simmons Stand Out
Examining Simmons’ film reveals an athlete with remarkable agility and a solid base. His explosive first step allows him to expertly confront opposing pass rushers, demonstrating his capacity to fend them off effectively.
One observer highlighted his quickness, stating: “Tremendous quickness out of the stance by Simmons. He meets the edge at the bend point in the arc and takes away his move." This agility is essential for success, especially against faster defensive ends.
Simmons presents himself as a high-level mover, often looking fluid and in control even as he engages rushers. His ability to apply inside hands against defenders indicates an understanding of defensive strategies, allowing him to thwart their attempts with keen responses.
An analytical perspective noted, "The edge rusher tries to hit Simmons with a spin move, but Simmons gets strong with his inside hand and moves his feet, washing the edge down the line of scrimmage." This highlights his ability to adapt during crucial moments throughout a play.
🔗 Strengths in Pass Protection
Simmons impresses most in pass protection, particularly when it comes to his ability to absorb counter-moves from edge rushers. His flexible lower body, combined with a strong core and anchoring, enables him to reset himself in the face of seemingly overwhelming pressure.
While there are moments where he struggles to maintain consistency in pass blocking, his ability to execute successfully gives hope for his future as a reliable offensive tackle.
🏃♂️ Dominating in the Run Game
Beyond his skills in pass protection, Simmons also shows strength in the running game. His foundational strength translates well into creating movement off the line, and he plays with competitiveness, often finished plays aggressively.
In terms of technique, Simmons displays a keen sense of timing with his hands and feet. This synchronization supports his success in individual blocks, making him valuable for teams focusing on mid-zone and inside-zone running strategies. Furthermore, he can effectively work with teammates on down blocks, transferring power to assist in neutralizing defensive linemen.
The standout characteristic in Simmons’ running game is his ability to maneuver in open space. His movement skills come into play when blocking on screens and outside runs, allowing him to take on speedy defensive backs effectively. Observers remarked on his "clean release from the line of scrimmage," showcasing his capability in situations that require finesse and agility.
📊 The Final Verdict
At just 22 years old, Simmons has already proven himself as a talented college athlete, yet he must refine his overall fundamentals and techniques before stepping into the NFL spotlight.
The major concern revolves around his recovery from a knee injury and whether he can regain the athletic prowess he displayed at Ohio State. This visit with the Chiefs serves a dual purpose: to evaluate his rehabilitation progress and gauge any potential long-term complications from his injury.
Assessing players with injury backgrounds introduces a level of uncertainty into the draft process. A miscalculation could leave a franchise stranded with an ineffective player, while accurately identifying talent amid these challenges can lead to significant draft-day successes.
For the Chiefs, the stakes are high. Selecting the right player can bolster their offensive line and contribute to future success, making the evaluation of Josh Simmons not just another draft watch—it's a crucial investment in the team's future. 🏈