Understandably lost in the shuffle of the frustrating start to the Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 season is the impressive start of left tackle Josh Simmons. While the performance hasn't been perfect, there is zero question that Simmons isn't getting due credit for his play thus far. It has left little question about what a steal the Chiefs landed at the end of the first round. All of the injury and durability concerns have quickly dissipated two games into the year.
While the overall performance of the offensive line has been frustrating, Simmons is part of the solution, not the problem. This is reflected by the rookie's PFF pass protection grade at 75.3. This is a number that speaks for itself for a rookie who is only two games into his career. Kansas City has found its left tackle of the future, and that deserves a level of excitement. You have four years of team control remaining at a very reasonable rate at one of the most important positions to fill.
Chiefs Rookie Josh Simmons Deserves More Credit for Exciting Start to 2025 Season
The hot start isn't just about what it means in the moment, but understanding that there is now the expectation that you have the blindside of Patrick Mahomes protected for years to come. While there have been bumps in the road, the overall performance of the rookie has far exceeded expectations thus far. Simmons is even outshining veteran right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who is still the subject of frustration among Kansas City fans.
Taylor consistently makes the rookie mistakes you would expect of Simmons with pre-snap penalties and costly errors. This isn't to say that Simmons has been perfect, but it is worth pointing out that he is outshining far more experienced players, all while adjusting to the league at one of the most important positions on the field.
It is at least one reason for Chiefs fans to feel great about the early-season performance, even amid the frustration. Offensively, the rookie has been the most exciting bright spot despite not receiving much credit for his efforts due to the attention of fans and pundits on the team's 0-2 start. While this is somewhat understandable, it isn't fair to a player who has earned a level of early accolades he hasn't received due to said frustration.
While this is understandable, it remains important to note how quickly fans have grown to trust a player who is only two games into his career. A bright future is ahead of a piece that is clearly a building block as Kansas City's dynastic run continues.