Yardbarker
x
All eyes in Chiefs camp are on Josh Simmons (and for good reason)
Kansas City Chiefs Mandatory Minicamp Aaron M. Sprecher/GettyImages

As the Kansas City Chiefs arrive in St. Joseph for their annual training camp at Missouri Western, the conversation is filled with myriad questions, concerns, and roster battles for the season ahead. But uncertainties come in all shapes and sizes, and the biggest of all is at left tackle.

Specifically, Josh Simmons' readiness for the role is going to be front-and-center on everyone's minds—from the coaches orchestrating practices to the fans watching.

The Chiefs drafted Simmons in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft in the hopes that he could provide a long-term solution to a problematic position that seems to require intervention every year or two, ever since Eric Fisher's back pain became too much. Yes, there are contingencies, but the Chiefs' ceiling on offense could largely depend on Simmons' ability to handle left tackle.

Josh Simmons is the biggest x-factor for Chiefs training camp for myriad reasons.

The good news is that Simmons is more ready at this stage than anyone could have expected. The fact that Simmons was even in range for the Chiefs was a quasi-miracle, a situation made possible by his recovery from a season-ending patellar injury along with some reported character concerns.

From the start of offseason training activities, Simmons has been locked in as the team's left tackle in first-team reps. Although no contact is allowed during those sessions, that's still a good sign and a testament to his rehabilitation. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has been very complimentary of Simmons' efforts in his recovery and his "want to" this summer.

Of course, spring practices mean very little in the grander scheme. The Chiefs won't be able to lean on Simmons until he gets a clean bill of health and is physically ready for the rigors of the job. The mental hurdle of trusting his own body again is also in play. But the Chiefs knew that when they drafted him at No. 32 overall.

If Simmons proves in training camp and preseason games that he's going to be healthy enough to protect Patrick Mahomes' blindside, then a cloud of concern can dissipate for Chiefs Kingdom. Simmons' upside should elevate the offense immediately, and such an imposing presence should enhance the passing attack by providing more time.

Simmons' fitness for the left tackle role could also allow the Chiefs to lean on Jaylon Moore in unexpected ways. The Chiefs signed Moore to a two-year deal in free agency to serve as a potential starting tackle himself after years of backing up Trent Williams with the San Francisco 49ers. Moore could compete with Jawaan Taylor at right tackle or push multiple candidates inside at left guard. Greater competition all around is a good thing up front for a Chiefs' line in flux.

None of this matters is Simmons isn't prepared for the role, at least not yet. It's possible he needs more time to be physically ready. It's possible that Chiefs Kingdom will have to wait. So much is possible if he's in there, and so much remains doubtful if he's not. That's why Simmons is the single biggest x-factor for Chiefs camp in 2025.


This article first appeared on Arrowhead Addict and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!