The Kansas City Chiefs have made their first selection!

This year, the Chiefs selected Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons with the 32nd overall pick in the first round. We’ve compiled insights and analyses from three different experts to assess this exciting choice.

💬 Expert Insights

Caleb

This was an impressive draft pick by the Chiefs, and if everything aligns perfectly, they might just have found their cornerstone left tackle for a decade. On film, Simmons presents as the complete package. He exhibits quick feet, possesses a strong base, showcases solid hand technique for a college athlete, and demonstrates excellent flexibility through his hips, knees, and ankles. Simmons also has remarkable athletic abilities in open space and maintains a competitive edge that drives him to finish plays robustly.

One of the prominent concerns regarding Simmons stems from a patellar knee injury that hindered his 2024 season and affected his performance during offseason workouts. The Chiefs had a top-30 visit with Simmons at their facility, and it appears that the outcome of this visit solidified the team’s confidence in selecting him at 32.

Simmons still has aspects of his game to refine, particularly in delivering power with his strikes during pass protection. Additionally, he needs to address some arm length concerns. However, the raw talent and potential are evident, and he may have a full season available to polish his skills while focusing on his recovery.

Grade: A

Nate

The night couldn’t have unfolded more favorably for Kansas City. When Simmons was at full strength last season, he appeared to be a top-15 tackle prospect, a range the Chiefs rarely have the opportunity to reach. Simmons is an agile athlete who can handle one-on-one situations while also contributing physicality in the run game. This versatility will make him compatible with any run scheme, something previous Chiefs' tackles struggled to master.

Although there are risks associated with his medical history and the level of competition he faced, Ohio State's overall offensive performance and pass protection noticeably declined after Simmons was sidelined. If all factors play out positively, the Chiefs may have successfully secured a solution for their left tackle position. To top it off, they also gained an additional fifth-round pick!

Grade: A

Rocky

The Chiefs have comfortably addressed Simmons' medical concerns and arm length, which were the only uncertainties surrounding him, as he is an elite pass blocker. He was the last of this tier of left tackles justifiable for a first-round selection. With the draft board falling perfectly in place, the Chiefs managed to get their target at the 32nd overall pick. If all goes as planned, they've landed Mahomes’ blindside protector for the foreseeable future.

Simmons excels at pass protection and displays considerable skills in run blocking as well. If he hadn’t endured an injury in 2024, he likely would not have been available at the end of the round. Additionally, the extra fifth-round pick obtained from trading down with the Eagles felt like a stroke of luck in this draft.

Grade: A

📊 Community Poll

🏈 Conclusion

The Kansas City Chiefs set the stage for a promising future by selecting Josh Simmons as their left tackle. With a combination of skill, potential, and a physical style of play, Simmons could well be the cornerstone of the franchise's offensive line. The opinions of analysts indicate a strong consensus about his abilities, foreshadowing a significant impact on the team moving forward.

Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting the upcoming season to see how this new addition will perform, especially considering the importance of protecting a dynamic quarterback like Patrick Mahomes. With the complexities of the NFL landscape, drafted players can make or break a team's season, and Simmons could be an integral part of the Chiefs' quest for continued success. 🌟