The Kansas City Chiefs used their first-round pick on offensive tackle Josh Simmons, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes couldn’t be any happier. After deciding not to re-sign Donovan Smith in 2024, Kansas City effectively did without a reliable left tackle for the 2024 season. Switching between Kingsley Suamataia, Wanya Morris, D.J. Humphries, and guard Joe Thuney, the Chiefs never found a proper answer to one of the game’s most important positions. While they made it to the Super Bowl despite this glaring flaw, the Philadelphia Eagles repeatedly took advantage of this flaw in their blowout victory.
General Manager Brett Veach knew the Chiefs needed to address the offensive line when he signed free agent Jaylon Moore to a massive two-year, $30 million contract. However, while Moore can be a short-term option at the position, Kansas City needed a player with long-term potential. Ohio State’s Josh Simmons remained on the board at the end of the first round, and Patrick Mahomes tweeted out his excitement shortly after the pick was made.
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— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) April 25, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Sends Entertaining Tweet Following Josh Simmons Selection
Widely considered one of the best offensive tackles in the class, most analysts expected Simmons to be a top-20 pick. However, slight medical concerns and character questions caused him to fall to the back of the first round. Kansas City decided his upside was worth the risk, selecting him with the final pick of the NFL Draft’s first day. Only time will tell if this selection pans out, but it appears to be one of the best selections any team has made.
With Joe Thuney departing via trade, Kansas City will likely move Kingsley Suamataia to left guard and use Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, and Jawaan Taylor at their previous positions. This will leave Josh Simmons and Jaylon Moore battling for the starting spot, which is good news for Patrick Mahomes. While Moore is better as a swing tackle, he’d be a better option than anyone on the 2024 roster. Simmons, meanwhile, can push to start but won’t feel the pressure of needing to succeed right out of the gate.
Main Photo: Adam Cairns – Imagn Images
