The Kansas City Chiefs are known for keeping their offensive line strong and dependable – a key to Patrick Mahomes‘ success. This offseason, the franchise continued that tradition by turning its focus to bolstering depth, particularly on the edges, where competition is brewing and young talent is being groomed.
One of the most talked-about additions is rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons. Drafted in the fifth round out of USC, Simmons has already turned heads during offseason activities. Despite being in the early stages of his NFL journey, he’s drawn attention from some of the Chiefs’ core offensive linemen for his poise and approach.
“Josh has been awesome,” said All-Pro center Creed Humphrey. “He’s been doing a great job. He’s super eager to learn, which is something you really love to see in a young guy.”
Humphrey isn’t the only one taking notice. Right guard Trey Smith has also been impressed with Simmons’ energy and determination. “Josh has done a great job so far,” Smith shared.
“He’s eager to learn. He brings a lot of energy every single day. I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen from him so far. There’s still some work to be done, and he knows that, and he’s working hard every day.”
Strong mentorship and open competition
The competition at left tackle is expected to be wide open, with Wanya Morris and Simmons both in the mix, and newly acquired veteran Kingsley Suamataia also potentially entering the battle.
While Simmons is not a lock for a starting spot just yet, the Chiefs appear committed to giving him every opportunity to develop under the guidance of seasoned linemen like Humphrey and Smith.
The coaching staff has emphasized that while Simmons is physically gifted, his growth will hinge on how quickly he can adapt to the NFL’s technical demands and mental rigors. Fortunately for Kansas City, Simmons is responding well to coaching and already making the most of his reps in OTAs.
Meanwhile, another name to watch is Jaylon Moore, a player who has quietly worked his way into the discussion. Moore, a practice squad holdover, is also competing for a role, adding further intrigue to the left tackle spot. The position could ultimately see rotation, at least early in the season, as the coaching staff assesses who rises to the top in training camp.
Simmons’ college career at USC showed both promise and inconsistency, often being flagged for penalties, but Kansas City saw enough upside to bring him in as a developmental prospect. Now, with the right mentorship and system, the Chiefs hope he can refine his game and provide valuable protection for Mahomes down the line.
In a league where offensive line continuity can make or break a season, Kansas City’s strategy of building from within while nurturing young talent could once again prove to be the foundation for another deep playoff run. As Simmons and others continue their journey, the Chiefs’ investment in youth may yield dividends sooner than expected.
Read the full article here
