Josh Simmons is wasting no time making himself at home in Kansas City. The Chiefs’ 2025 first-round draft pick has quickly become one of the most talked-about rookies on the team—not just for his on-field potential, but for how seamlessly he’s blended into the culture of the organization. From rocking Chiefs gear with pride to earning praise from Super Bowl-winning veterans, Simmons is already turning heads at every level of the franchise.
Simmons, selected 32nd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, entered the league as a bit of a question mark due to a late-season injury at Ohio State. A torn patellar tendon suffered during his junior year caused some teams to hesitate. But the Chiefs, ever the opportunists when it comes to value and upside, saw something in Simmons that they couldn’t pass up. After trading down from their original position and still managing to land him, Kansas City viewed him as a potential long-term anchor for their offensive line—a position of tremendous importance when your quarterback is Patrick Mahomes.
Once in the building, Simmons began his Kansas City journey with something that made him instantly likable to fans: he was asked to draw the Chiefs’ iconic arrowhead logo from memory. Not only did he take on the challenge, he pulled it off with surprising accuracy. It wasn’t perfect, but it was good enough to show how much he already felt like part of the team. It was a lighthearted moment, but one that endeared him to Chiefs Kingdom and hinted at his confident, no-nonsense personality.
Then came rookie minicamp. Though still rehabbing from his knee injury, Simmons showed up early, stayed late, and impressed coaches with his movement and football IQ. Head coach Andy Reid commented multiple times on how “comfortable” Simmons looked on the field. The staff noted that despite his injury, Simmons was moving better than expected. It was clear he was ahead of schedule in recovery, but more importantly, he had the mental makeup the team was looking for. He understood the playbook, communicated clearly, and approached every drill with intensity.
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy praised Simmons for his discipline and determination, noting that he was one of the first players in the building and the last to leave. According to Nagy, Simmons has a unique combination of power, agility, and focus—an ideal mix for a player expected to protect the franchise quarterback’s blindside. Teammates began taking notice, too. Travis Kelce, one of the most respected voices in the locker room, called Simmons a true professional even in his rookie year. He emphasized how prepared Simmons looked in meetings and how engaged he was during walkthroughs and reps. Jason Kelce, now retired but still deeply involved in NFL analysis, went even further. After watching Simmons’ college tape, Jason compared him to Trent Williams—a Pro Bowl mainstay and arguably the best tackle of his generation.
That comparison didn’t come lightly. Williams is known for his unique blend of brute strength and nimble footwork, and Jason Kelce highlighted how Simmons shared similar traits—especially in how he handled bull rushes and edge speed. In his eyes, the only reason Simmons wasn’t taken in the top 15 picks was the injury, and if he could fully recover, he had All-Pro potential. Simmons, for his part, has been humble in the face of the hype. When asked about the Trent Williams comparison, he smiled and said, “That’s high praise. I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m working every day to earn it.”
His work ethic has certainly supported that sentiment. Despite not being 100% yet, Simmons has attacked rehab, film study, and weight room sessions with purpose. Coaches have had to remind him to pace himself—not out of concern for motivation, but for fear of overexertion. Andy Reid commented that Simmons is “one of those guys you’ve got to kick out of the building” because of how much time he spends watching film and working with the staff. It’s a reputation that’s already putting him in line for a starting role, assuming he clears final medical benchmarks before training camp.
Simmons is currently in a direct competition with Jaylon Moore for the left tackle job. While Moore has the benefit of NFL experience, Simmons has the raw talent and upside that could tip the scales. Reid has stated plainly that Simmons will start “if he’s healthy,” suggesting that the team envisions him as the long-term solution at the position. That’s a significant amount of faith in a rookie—especially one recovering from a major injury—but Kansas City has good reason to believe. During OTAs and into Phase 3 of offseason training, Simmons continued to impress. His lateral quickness, kick slide technique, and anchor strength all looked NFL-ready, and he’s been absorbing the Chiefs’ offensive system faster than anticipated.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes also weighed in, expressing his excitement about Simmons. Mahomes noted that the rookie is “getting better every day,” and said he’s been impressed by how quickly Simmons is learning protections and recognizing defensive schemes. Mahomes also pointed out that Simmons is already benefiting from going up against the Chiefs’ notoriously aggressive defense under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo—a test by fire that has prepared many young players for game-speed action. For Mahomes, knowing that a determined and intelligent player is protecting his blindside offers added peace of mind as he continues to chase another championship.
Outside observers are taking note, too. Analysts across the league have begun reconsidering their pre-draft evaluations of Simmons, many admitting that the Chiefs may have found a cornerstone lineman at the end of the first round. Some are even calling the pick a potential franchise-altering move, especially if Simmons stays healthy and develops in tandem with Mahomes over the next several seasons. That kind of cohesion between a quarterback and his tackle can define eras. If Simmons fulfills his potential, he could become the next great protector in Kansas City lore.
While Simmons is keeping his head down and focusing on football, he’s also embraced the culture and energy of Kansas City. Whether it’s wearing his Chiefs gear around town or engaging with fans on social media, he seems genuinely thrilled to be part of the team. It’s a detail that shouldn’t go unnoticed—players who feel emotionally connected to their franchise often play with an extra gear. That’s something Simmons has already demonstrated in how he’s handled the pressure, the spotlight, and the expectations.
With training camp approaching, all eyes will be on Simmons as he continues his transition from college standout to NFL starter. The Chiefs know that nothing is guaranteed, especially when injuries are involved, but all signs point to Simmons being a special player. His combination of intelligence, power, drive, and adaptability is rare, even among first-round picks. And perhaps most importantly, he’s already earned the trust and respect of the people around him.
In the NFL, that kind of early respect matters. It builds momentum, confidence, and chemistry—ingredients that are critical for a young offensive lineman entering a high-stakes environment. Simmons still has plenty to prove, but he’s done just about everything right since joining the Chiefs. From drawing logos by memory to drawing rave reviews from veterans and coaches, Simmons is not just rocking his new Chiefs digs—he’s making them his own.
If things continue on this trajectory, it’s not hard to imagine a future where Josh Simmons becomes one of the league’s premier tackles, a cornerstone of an offensive line that keeps Mahomes upright and the Chiefs in championship contention for years to come. For now, he’s taking it day by day—but don’t be surprised if this rookie soon becomes a household name in the NFL.
