Kansas City Chiefs OT Josh Simmons projected to earn prestigious recognition for what he could accomplish in 2025

There will be plenty of eyes on Chiefs 2025 first-round draft pick Josh Simmons when training camp kicks off in late July. He is expected to compete with veteran Jaylon Moore for the starting left tackle job. 

Andy Reid and multiple other members of Kansas City's coaching staff have been impressed with how Simmons has recovered from the torn patellar tendon in his left knee, which ended his collegiate career at Ohio State back in October.

Count NFL.com editor Gennaro Filice among those who believe in Simmons. While projecting his All-Rookie Team for the 2025 season, Filice selected Simmons as one of his two offensive tackles.

From Gennaro Filice: "Throughout the pre-draft process, myriad analysts espoused the same take: If Josh Simmons had not torn his patellar tendon last October, he’d be the first offensive tackle selected. He has the look of a classic blind-side protector, as a smooth athlete with the requisite size and length, but the aforementioned knee injury isn’t one to be overlooked. This kind of rupture carries long-term concerns, with recovery rates varying on a case-by-case basis. That said, Simmons appears to be checking every box in his rehab, including participating in team drills this month. And his work ethic consistently draws praise from Andy Reid: “He’s one of those guys that you gotta kinda kick out of the building.” Roller-coaster RT Jawaan Taylor has one year of guaranteed money left on his deal, and Kansas City gave free-agent LT Jaylon Moore decent loot in March, but if Simmons is healthy, the rookie has the raw talent to boost the Chiefs’ bookend blocking in Year 1."

This would obviously mean that Simmons will start right off the bat for K.C. in 2025. However, Filice seems to acknowledge the possibility of Simmons starting at right tackle over Jawaan Taylor, with Moore holding down the left side.

If the Chiefs do plan to replace Taylor as the starting RT, it seems more likely that Moore would assume that role. Even if he begins his career as a backup, the K.C. brass has been pretty clear about Simmons being its LT of the future. Regardless of how it all shakes out, if Simmons plays well enough to be named to the All-Rookie-Team, the Chiefs' offense will be much improved in 2025.