Following a major offseason shake-up, the Kansas City Chiefs are entering the 2025 NFL season with big questions on their offensive line.

Trading veteran left tackle Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears left a noticeable hole in their protection unit-an area critical to the team’s continued Super Bowl aspirations. Fortunately, the Chiefs may have found an unexpected solution in the draft.

Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons, once considered a mid-first-round lock, dropped lower than expected in the 2025 NFL Draft due to a knee injury. Kansas City capitalized on the opportunity, trading up one pick with the Philadelphia Eagles to select the 6-foot-5, 317-pound lineman late in the first round. Simmons suffered a torn patellar tendon last season during Ohio State’s championship run, which led teams to tread cautiously. But for the Chiefs, the value was too good to pass up.

Chiefs take cautious but confident approach with Simmons

Simmons’ road back from injury is being closely monitored, and the early reviews from Chiefs head coach Andy Reid are encouraging.

Speaking after early offseason workouts, Reid explained his hopes for Simmons.

“He’s one that didn’t work this week… he’s further ahead than I thought he was,” Reid declared.

While Simmons has not yet participated in full team drills, Reid emphasized that the staff is pleased with his progress and approach. The plan appears to be a gradual integration into competitive reps.

“We’ve kept him out of the team stuff… He’s done a good job with what we’ve given him,” Reid said.

“We’ve just got to get him in where he’s going against a defense.”

That test may come sooner than later, as Simmons will eventually have to line up against some of the NFL’s best pass rushers in practice – namely teammates Chris Jones and George Karlaftis. It’s a steep learning curve, but one that will show whether he’s ready to take on NFL competition.

Despite Simmons’ injury history, his path to the starting lineup is very real. ESPN’s Adam Teicher reported that if Simmons is physically ready, he is expected to start at left tackle in Week 1. The Chiefs did sign veteran Jaylon Moore as a safety net, but all signs point to Simmons being the preferred option if healthy.

Josh Simmons is not injury prone. He has had one singular injury in his career.

He gave up 0 sacks, 0 QB hits, and one pressure in 158 pass rush snaps last season.

Simmons played both left and right tackle in college. He is by far the most talented tackle in the draft. pic.twitter.com/K4brcsfzAj

— fatty patty (@theonlydyl_) April 25, 2025

Simmons’ development could be one of the most important storylines for Kansas City this season. With Patrick Mahomes under center, protecting the quarterback’s blind side is a top priority. The Chiefs’ gamble on Simmons reflects both urgency and long-term thinking-a balance that could pay off handsomely if the rookie can meet expectations.

While his injury introduces risk, Simmons has shown enough early promise to justify optimism. For a team that has consistently reloaded on its way to multiple Super Bowl appearances, the addition of Josh Simmons might just be the next smart move in Kansas City’s evolving championship formula.