'Next level strength and athleticism' — Jason Kelce's All-Pro comparisons leave no doubt about Chiefs' left tackle job in 2025

Travis Kelce, Trey Smith, and Jason Kelce spoke about a rookie who could shape the Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 NFL season, and what they revealed should have everyone in Chiefs Kingdom excited for training camp. 

Smith joined the Kelce brothers for the latest episode of "New Heights," where one of the main topics of discussion was some of the new players along the offensive line in Kansas City. As a former All-Pro offensive lineman, Jason has been paying close attention to the team's first-round draft pick, Ohio State LT Josh Simmons.  

"Yeah, the one I'm looking forward to, I just got to be honest, that left tackle position. That was somewhat of a revolving door all season long for you last year," Jason said. "Have you seen this, this kid, yet? Josh Simmons, to me, watching the tape in college, it was absurd. But the athletic ability and size, Trav knows, because I've been watching this dude. I've been preaching it." 

Travis knows exactly what his brother is talking about. He also experienced it firsthand during OTAs. . . 

"I've had my eyes on him," Travis said. "You already know. I've seen it. I've seen it. He was playing defensive end, just like a scout team defensive end, and he was just playing this gap, just being a pro. He was being locked in and being a pro. And I felt that man's hands grab me, and I was like, 'Alright, alright. I gotta come with it.' Even when he's just giving the looks, I gotta make sure I'm got my feet planted, man."

Jason Kelce compares Josh Simmons to NFL All-Pro left tackles Trent Williams and Jason Peters

The Chiefs partially landed Simmons in the draft due to his season-ending patella injury, which is tough for offensive linemen to come back from. Still, many believe Simmons would've been among the first offensive tackles drafted if he had a clean bill of health. You can count Jason Kelce among those, even if he didn't come out and say it himself. He compared some of Simmons' key traits to those of a pair of All-Pro left tackles. 

"I've watched a lot of these linemen coming out the last few years," Jason said. "This kid, I mean, he is the closest thing I've seen to a Trent Williams or Jason (Peters), like that next level strength and athleticism. The only reason he fell to you guys is because of that patella injury? What does he look like so far?"

Williams, a multi-time All-Pro and 11-time Pro Bowler, plays for the San Francisco 49ers and was a player the Chiefs had interest in once upon a time. Peters is a former teammate of Jason's with the Eagles and was signed by Andy Reid in 2009 with Philly. He's part of the 2010s All-Decade team as a six-time All-Pro, nine-time Pro Bowler, and a Super Bowl LII champion.

Based on the context clues Trey Smith gave in his response, this episode was likely recorded before the Chiefs' mandatory minicamp. Smith didn't attend OTAs, so he hadn't practiced with Simmons until this past week. Still, his comments on what he'd heard about the rookie were incredibly promising because they match Kelce's story about Simmons. 

"Man, I haven't seen him in action," Smith said. "But, I mean, I just heard that he is so strong. Like, unbelievably strong, is one thing. So like, Trav, you're saying about his hands? Like, that's perfectly spot on to what I keep hearing. Obviously, like, the talent is there, man. I've seen some of this film as well. And, you know, obviously got a chance to win a (National Championship) last year. Shout out to him, but he's gonna be a great asset to the team, and I'm looking forward to it, bro."

Of course, Travis Kelce and Trey Smith are excited to get their hands on their new teammate on offense and shape him into a true professional in the NFL. 

"Oh, yeah, baby," Travis said. "Get him in there. Get him nice and ingrained in the culture we've got over there. Man, have some fun while we go and whip some ass."

"Yeah," Smith said. "You know, we'll get him right."