{"id":24450,"date":"2025-05-30T23:09:31","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T23:09:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/breakingnews.azontree.com\/?p=24450"},"modified":"2025-05-30T23:09:31","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T23:09:31","slug":"andy-reid-surprised-by-the-latest-actions-of-his-best-rookie-and-plug-and-play-protector-of-patrick-mahomes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/breakingnews.azontree.com\/?p=24450","title":{"rendered":"Andy Reid surprised by the latest actions of his best rookie and plug-and-play protector of Patrick Mahomes"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Andy<\/p>\n

Following a major offseason shake-up, the Kansas City Chiefs<\/strong> are entering the 2025 NFL season with big questions on their offensive line.<\/p>\n

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

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

Chiefs take cautious but confident approach with Simmons<\/h2>\n

Simmons’<\/strong> road back from injury is being closely monitored, and the early reviews from Chiefs head coach Andy Reid<\/strong> are encouraging.<\/p>\n

Speaking after early offseason workouts, Reid<\/strong> explained his hopes for Simmons<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

“He’s one that didn’t work this week… he’s further ahead than I thought he was,” Reid<\/strong> declared.<\/p>\n

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

“We’ve kept him out of the team stuff… He’s done a good job with what we’ve given him,” Reid<\/strong> said.<\/p>\n

“We’ve just got to get him in where he’s going against a defense.”<\/p>\n

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

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

\n

Josh Simmons is not injury prone. He has had one singular injury in his career. <\/p>\n

He gave up 0 sacks, 0 QB hits, and one pressure in 158 pass rush snaps last season. <\/p>\n

Simmons played both left and right tackle in college. He is by far the most talented tackle in the draft. pic.twitter.com\/K4brcsfzAj<\/a><\/p>\n

— fatty patty (@theonlydyl_) April 25, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n