

The Kansas City Chiefs made a bold move in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting offensive tackle Josh Simmons out of Ohio State. Despite having another year of eligibility remaining with the Buckeyes, Simmons opted to forgo his senior season and enter the draft-a decision that landed him a spot with the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Simmons’ football journey began in La Mesa, California, where he was a three-star recruit from Helix High School. Ranked the No. 445 overall prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, Simmons committed to San Diego State, redshirted his freshman year, and then started all 13 games the following season. His performance with the Aztecs earned him a transfer to Ohio State, where he quickly became a key figure on the offensive line.
At Ohio State, Simmons played in 19 games over two seasons, starting every one of them. In 2023, he appeared in all 13 contests. The 2024 season was supposed to be his breakout campaign, and it started strong with six starts at left tackle before a season-ending knee injury cut things short. Simmons tore his left patellar tendon during a mid-October matchup against Oregon and was forced to undergo surgery. Nonetheless, his contributions were significant enough to earn him Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors-and Ohio State went on to win the national title.
What the Experts Are Saying
NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein sees promise in Simmons, despite the recent injury. “An athletic tackle prospect with adequate size and length,” Zierlein said, noting Simmons’ experience playing both tackle spots. He praised Simmons’ quick feet and mobility, particularly in pass protection, saying he “has the slide quickness to compete against NFL edge speed.”
However, Simmons isn’t without areas for improvement. Zierlein pointed to a need for better hand placement and strength in run blocking, and cautioned that Simmons can be “susceptible to twists and counters in pass pro.” Given his recent injury and ongoing development, the analyst suggests Simmons may need a year to adjust before stepping into a full-time NFL role.
With the No. 32 overall pick in the 2025 @NFLDraft, the @Chiefs select Josh Simmons. @NewEraCap
: #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
: Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/S4LrkeL5DU? NFL (@NFL) April 25, 2025
For the Chiefs, Simmons represents a high-upside investment. His athleticism and experience in high-pressure situations-along with the grit he’s shown coming back from a major injury-make him a promising piece for Kansas City’s future offensive line. With some refinement and recovery time, Josh Simmons could emerge as a long-term protector of Patrick Mahomes’ blind side.
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Kansas City sees something special in Josh Simmons.
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