Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Josh Simmons works out during the pro day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletic Cente on March 26, 2025.

Rookie Tackle Josh Simmons Impresses Chiefs in Spring Activities

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Bjorn Anderson | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 2:57 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs have been trying to fill the left tackle puzzle since their first attempt failed, and they are hoping that the second time will be the lucky one. Following an underwhelming 2024 campaign, which still led them to the Super Bowl, the club spent its 2025 first-round selection on Ohio State athlete Josh Simmons, something that could have proven to be a winning move, judging by the preliminary performance at the spring activities.

Simmons has been a sharp runner in OTAs and camp, even though there was some fear about his fate after the injury to the patellar tendon that ended his senior season in college. His presence didn’t go unnoticed, at least by veteran tight end Travis Kelce.

Kelce has gushed about Simmons with his professionalism, even when he was merely pretending to be a scout team defensive end on his New Heights podcast.

“I felt that man’s hands grab me, and I was like, ‘All right, I gotta come with it,’” Kelce said. “Even when he’s just giving the look, I gotta make sure I’ve got my feet planted.”

Rising star in the making, Simmons is also on the radar of Jason Kelce, the former All-Pro center, who recently retired. Jason even likened Simmons to a 49ers superstar, Trent Williams, who is considered the ultimate reference to NFL offensive tackles.

Jason Kelce on Chiefs first-round pick Josh Simmons: "He is the closest thing I've seen to like a Trent Williams"https://t.co/0OdzIxAtAm pic.twitter.com/aLEuBxrGzQ

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 27, 2025

“This kid… he is the closest thing I’ve seen to like a Trent Williams,” Kelce said. “The only reason he fell to you guys is because of that injury.”

Trey Smith’s Thoughts on Josh Simmons

Trey Smith, a guard of the Chiefs, seconded the commendation in the locker room. “I just heard that he is so strong — unbelievably strong. The talent is there, man.”

The offensive line of the Kansas City Chiefs is what went wrong in their game against Philadelphia in Super Bowl LIX. There were a lot of inconsistencies at the left tackle, which prompted a reshuffling, with one of the consequences a temporary shift of Joe Thuney out of his position.

Having finally recovered after several seasons, Josh Simmons is now shining even to legends and linemates, and the Chiefs are hoping that he can hold their line and keep Patrick Mahomes safe in the future.

As Travis Kelce stated: “Get him ingrained in the culture… and go whip some butt.”