Josh Simmons Already Impressing as Chiefs’ Potential Franchise Left Tackle
When the Chiefs landed Josh Simmons with the 32nd overall pick, the expectations were sky-high. A former Ohio State standout with undeniable talent, Simmons was heralded as a future leader on the offensive line, tasked with the immense responsibility of protecting Patrick Mahomes. But as with any great potential, come big questions. And for Simmons, those questions revolved around both his on-field performance and his ability to prove himself as a reliable presence within the Chiefs organization.
Fast forward to training camp, and Simmons is already making headlines—not just for his skills but for his fiery demeanor. During one of the padding-on sessions, a skirmish broke out between Simmons and fellow rookie defender Ashton Gillotte. A couple of thrown punches, a helmet popping off, and you’ve got yourself one of those classic training camp scuffles. Nothing major in the grand scheme of the NFL, but it got people talking.
The incident itself isn’t a concern for the Chiefs. Fights in camp are as common as two-a-days in the summer heat. Intensity runs high, rosters haven’t been finalized, and for players like Simmons, there’s simply no room to take a single rep for granted. After all, Simmons knows better than most that every moment on the field counts, especially after a college career interrupted by injury.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
For Josh Simmons, these moments in camp are about proving why he’s worthy of anchoring the offensive line for one of the most explosive offenses in football. His college career was filled with highs, including dominant stretches that had scouts and analysts singing his praises, but injuries became a thorn in his side, forcing him off the field at critical moments. It’s these setbacks that pushed his draft stock down to where Kansas City could snatch him up late in the first round.
Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach, however, can’t stop smiling when asked about Simmons. “When healthy, the tape doesn’t lie,” Veach said in a post-draft interview. “He plays with incredible power, and his understanding of the tackle position puts him in that upper echelon of potential stars. An injury is what made him available at 32, so we knew we were getting a guy we’re lucky to have.”
This is the player-building ethos of the Chiefs. They trust physical talent and rely on their history of helping players develop, both as professionals and as people.
Earning Patrick Mahomes’ Trust
Perhaps the most important endorsement of Josh Simmons at this point in his budding career has come from the man he’ll be charged with protecting. Patrick Mahomes doesn’t just drop compliments casually, which is why Simmons’ eyes light up as he reflects on a recent comment from his Super Bowl MVP quarterback.
“The guy is just a sponge,” Mahomes said after an early practice. “He wants to learn every detail, and he holds himself accountable for the work that needs to be done. It’s not perfect yet, but watching him pick up blitz packages already and how he handles himself in drills… I’m excited about what he’s going to bring to this team.”
For rookies, whether you’re a left tackle or a quarterback, earning the trust of veterans and future Hall of Famers on your team is a monumental step forward.
What Happens Next?
When the dust settles on training camp, Josh Simmons is well-positioned to be in the Week 1 starting lineup. From sparking his first training camp fight to adapting to NFL-level pass rushers, each moment of adversity is shaping this young player’s story.
There’s a strategy the Chiefs follow when cultivating talent like this. Set the bar high, confront every challenge head-on, and instill confidence through preparation. For Simmons, it won’t be smooth sailing—even as the season ramps up, he’ll have his share of growing pains.
However, sometimes, it’s the rookies with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove who end up becoming the biggest surprises. For Chiefs fans, the hope is that this fiery attitude can translate into a season of dominant play.
