For most of his days with the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes has needed better blind-side protection. Notably, taking Josh Simmons in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft might've finally been the answer to his prayers.
The Ohio State product showed flashes of strong play right out of the gate. Unfortunately, an undisclosed family matter, plus a season-ending injury, limited him to just eight games in his rookie season.
That's why Bleacher Report writer Brad Gagnon believes he will be the team's most important second-year player this season. Truth be told, Simmons might be one of the three most important players in Kansas City, regardless of his draft class:
"Injuries and an undisclosed extended absence caused the first-round pick to miss the majority of his rookie season. Now, Simmons has apparently trimmed down significantly ahead of what might be a make-or-break year for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs," wrote Gagnon. "The man charged with protecting Mahomes' blind side will be a critical factor in how it all plays out in 2026."
Josh Simmons looking like the real deal at LT for the Chiefs future
Simmons looks much slimmer entering year two. He's absolutely jacked and clearly has the strength to hold his own against sturdy defensive linemen, though some might be worried about how his skinnier frame might hold up throughout the course of a whole season.
The Chiefs moved on from Jawaan Taylor earlier in the offseason. That was an easy decision to make, given his big cap hit and struggles with penalties, but it left a big void in the offensive line. Now, with Wanya Morris also out of the picture, that unit will be a major question mark next season.
As things stand now, Jaylon Moore will start opposite Simmons, and that's not necessarily the most encouraging thought. As such, Andy Reid's team can't afford to have their left tackle miss time with another off-the-field issue or injury.
Simmons showcased the potential to be an elite blindside protector in college, and he was actually pretty solid when he played. Pro Football Focus gave him a 75.5 pass-blocking grade, the 25th-highest among 89 eligible players at the position, and he only allowed 18 pressures, two QB hits, and two sacks in 367 pass-blocking snaps.
The Chiefs hope that Patrick Mahomes can beat the odds and be on the field for Week 1. He looks right on track, but even if he succeeds, he might not be 100 percent healthy. Most players need a full season to get their legs back under them, and even though it doesn't seem so at times, Mahomes is still a human being.
This team will have to bend over backward to keep their best player out of harm's way. Simmons will be tabbed with the most ungrateful job on the team, and if he can't live up to the task, they might be forced to reconsider his future as the team's starting LT.
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