Patrick Mahomes’ glowing review of Josh Simmons will fire up Chiefs fans

Just when it seemed that the expectations for Josh Simmons were already at epic levels, Patrick Mahomes decided to take things even higher.

The Kansas City Chiefs' first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft has looked very, very good through the Chiefs' preseason game, an admirable run of performances in practices, drills, and live competition in a time when most fans wondered just how healthy he might be.

If that sounds like a lot of fanfare for mundane activities, remember that Simmons was supposed to be damaged goods as a rookie, which is the only reason he fell within range to the Chiefs at No. 32 overall in the first place. Coming off a torn patellar tendon, the hope for Simmons was that he might compete with Jaylon Moore for the left tackle role at some point in the foreseeable future.

Chiefs Kingdom will love what Patrick Mahomes had to say about Josh Simmons.

As it turns out, Simmons was ready from day one. While Moore, a free-agent signee from the San Francisco 49ers, has rotated in at right tackle with Jawaan Taylor (and even left guard at times), Simmons has locked down the left tackle role from his first day in red and gold. And in the team's first preseason game, he looked every bit the part of a franchise LT.

Given how hungry the Chiefs were for a long-term blindside protector for Mahomes, it makes sense that fans are so enamored with his presence on the team. Simmons is also earning plenty of accolades from former Chiefs players watching his technique. But as it turns out, Mahomes is a big fan, too.

Reporter Kay Adams recently spent time with the Chiefs near the end of training camp activities in St. Joseph, Missouri. She sat down with the Chiefs quarterback to talk about several subjects, but his comments on Simmons were most compelling. When asked about the moment he knew that Simmons was special, Mahomes had this to say:

"He's just a dog at the end of the day. I mean, he's obviously working through being an NFL pro and being a veteran, but when it comes to just pass blocking and run blocking, he can get the job done. That’s where it all starts off at, and so he's getting tested out here by [Spagnuolo] and the defensive line that we have," said Mahomes.

"I don't know if there was one moment," he continued. "I think it's just [hearing] the defensive guys talk about him, and they all are saying the right things when you want a guy that's going to go out there and contribute. The sky's the limit. I mean, he has a chance to be one of the best there is at that left tackle position, but he’s got to go out there and prove that in the regular season."

Mahomes watched four different players man the slot that Simmons is filling last season in a parade of injuries, so recent history at left tackle is helping the team appreciate Simmons even more. While the rookie has yet to take his first official snaps in a game that matters, he's answered the call at every juncture so far—well before anyone thought he'd be ready for it.