Top Ohio State draft pick earns widespread feedback months after major red flag caused unexpected fall to NFL powerhouse

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 12:07 AM ET

The 2025 NFL Draft has barely settled, but now the on-field results are what matter as training camps are underway. Preseason games will start soon, and no one cares who was taken where or what anyone's salary is. The only thing that anyone wants to see is wins.

What makes winning easier is hitting on first-round draft picks. The Kansas City Chiefs were the beneficiaries of former Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons falling to the 32nd overall pick, and they quickly snatched him up with the final selection of the first night. Simmons suffered a torn ACL against the Oregon Ducks in October 2024.

The Chiefs dealt with major blocking issues throughout the 2024 season at the tackle spots, but it was hard to expect Simmons' availability at their pick. A powerful yet smooth blocker who was one of the most efficient and effective tackles in the country, Simmons had a top 15 grade on my board, and there was a case for him being the best pure left tackle prospect in a good class. But that torn ACL was a red flag as teams showed caution in projecting his readiness.

However, with August approaching, Simmons is ready and earning major praise.

"Spoke to a #Chiefs source today about rookie Josh Simmons. The team has been impressed with him all summer, and he's on track to start at left tackle in Week 1, protecting Patrick Mahomes' blindside," NFL Insider Jordan Schultz posted.

Spoke to a #Chiefs source today about rookie Josh Simmons. The team has been impressed with him all summer, and he's on track to start at left tackle in Week 1, protecting Patrick Mahomes' blindside.

Simmons fell to pick No. 32 due to a patella injury, but the Chiefs had no… pic.twitter.com/KtNlQEKAWG
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 28, 2025

Simmons has been called "different" by our own Nick Roesch because he's simply making quick work of all competitors. Jason Kelce said Simmons has "next level strength and athleticism", calling it that Simmons would win the job.

"Simmons seemingly locked down the starting left tackle job during Day 1 of practice. He has certainly looked the part throughout position drills and 11-on-11 team scrimmages. That was the case again on Monday, as our friend Lyle Graversen recorded Simmons having a dominant rep against rookie defensive end Ashton Gillotte."

The Chiefs had signed Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million deal after he showed some flashes of upside with the San Francisco 49ers as a backup. Moore's advanced blocking numbers weren't impressive, though, and the investment into Simmons is major enough to believe the former Ohio State star is already on track to being a steal of the 2025 NFL Draft.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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