From the obvious choices (Cam Ward’s move to the Titans) to some shocking ones (poor Shedeur Sanders), this year’s draft is already proving to be a rollercoaster ride. But we’re not talking about all the picks and prospects, we’re talking about the one move the Kansas City Chiefs made to secure a player that has already become the talk of the town. This guy had one more year, but decided it was time to make waves in the big leagues. The 2024 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Conference honors holder who doesn’t give an inch to opponents. Yes, we’re talking about Ohio State’s (now Chiefs’) OT Josh Simmons.
Just a day before the draft, Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes had said, “You have that bad taste in your mouth from the last time you stepped on the football field, and you kind of have to hear about it all offseason.” The dude cut off his signature hair to bring back his mojo; that’s how bad he wants to prove himself this new season. And HC Andy Reid has heard his call. The Chiefs switched places in the draft with the Eagles, going 32nd overall, and picked Josh Simmons to add to Patrick’s arsenal. And Simmons? He couldn’t be more thrilled.
The Chiefs shared an Instagram post featuring a message from their fresh pick that went, “What’s up Kansas City, Josh Simmons here, quarterback protector from Ohio State. And I can’t tell you how much of an amazing opportunity this is to play for the Kansas City Chiefs. So surreal to be called on day one, everybody’s dream as a kid to play football. So, I just can’t wait to get down to Kansas City and get to work. Chiefs Kingdom.” Yeah, this kid’s dream came true alright.
And GM Brett Veach already knows what the team needs, “When Pat Mahomes is your quarterback, you can never have enough of those guys (tackles)… It’s a long season.” And “quarterback protector?” That’s a statement that rings loud to Patrick Mahomes. Simmons is ready to get on the field and prove his worth now, that much is for sure.
After the first round, Patrick himself shot a cryptic “” on X, leaving fans to speculate what it means. Andy Reid, on the other hand, has already shared his own thoughts clearly, “I think he’s good in the run and the pass game. But obviously, you’re looking for guys that can anchor down in the pass game. That becomes important, especially on the left side with a right-handed quarterback.” So Simmons is gonna be playing left tackle spot, but if the Chiefs need him to, he can also switch to the right given his experience from way back in 2022.
It is important to note, though, that Simmons is still recovering from a major injury, and that brings the question whether he will be able to play right away. If you’re worried about this, Reid has some words for you.
Andy Reid’s plans for Josh Simmons’ injury
Josh Simmons suffered a patellar tendon tear back on 12th October in the first half of Ohio State’s game against the Oregon Ducks. He was carted off the field and had to go through surgery. But it’s been 6 months since then, and Simmons has been on the road to recovery ever since. On the Ross Tucker Podcast, Ross said, “I really like the Chiefs getting Josh Simmons, there were people that thought he was the best offensive tackle in the draft, but that is a concerning injury, but let’s be honest, you know they need him to be good midway through the year end of the year they don’t need him to be good right away.”
So once Simmons recovers completely, he’ll be adding his explosive power to the team. Andy Reid himself has addressed his injury in a press conference after the first-round draft.
Via espn.com.au
On a Thursday presser, Andy Reid said, “So the league does the rechecks, so you’re getting even the check at the combine. – we’ve got a pretty good idea of where he’s at, – He’s got to go out and do it. But it’s not one of those where you’re looking at it (being) a problem” Reid’s not worried. He further added, “Our doctors also have a good feel for it; we thought it looked like a good surgery. He’s got to get out and play football, too. So we gotta see from there, but where we’re sitting, the experts would tell you it looks good.” HC’s vote of confidence? 100% legit. The team also believes Simmons will be able to make the training camp and show his talent.
Reid also compared Simmons’ situation to ex-Eagles RB Corren Buckhalter, who went through a similar injury and came back to resume playing. The Chiefs have other options to bank on while Simmons recovers. They’ve got Jaylon Moore and Wanya Morris. Jawaan Taylor is also recovering from his injury pretty well, so it feels like the position is covered pretty well.
For now, we’ll wish Josh Simmons good luck in his rookie year. And we also wait to see what the Chiefs do with their 63rd and 95th overall picks in the next rounds. Stay tuned, folks, the show’s just getting started.
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