The Kansas City Chiefs made a strategic move in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by trading a pick with the Philadelphia Eagles to select Ohio offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the 32nd overall pick. Interestingly, Jason Kelse, a former six-time All-Pro center for the Eagles, compared Simmons’ strength and athleticism to that of Trent Williams, expressing that Simmons is one of the best linemen he has seen in recent years, though his draft stock was affected by an injury.
Simmons played his first two college seasons at San Diego State, redshirting in 2021 and primarily playing right tackle. After transferring to Ohio State in 2023, he transitioned to left tackle, starting all 13 games before missing six games in 2024 due to a knee injury. Despite this, he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors and is anticipated to be ready by training camp.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 310 pounds, Simmons joins the Chiefs as one of their new offensive tackles. The team also signed Jaylon Moore, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers, to a two-year $30 million contract this offseason. Jason Kelse’s comparison places Simmons in elite company alongside Williams, a three-time All-Pro and 11-time Pro Bowler, who is expected to make the Hall of Fame. Williams has spent the past five seasons with the 49ers and was ranked sixth among offensive tackles last year.
Simmons now joins the Chiefs who recently fell to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
Fan Take: This pick signals the Chiefs’ determination to bolster their offensive line, an area crucial for sustaining their championship contention. Simmons’ potential, despite his injury setback, offers exciting growth prospects and could make a significant impact on both protecting the quarterback and boosting the running game. NFL fans should watch closely as this could shift the balance of power in the league’s trenches.
