The 2025 season did not go the way Kansas City Chiefs fans had hoped.
For the first time in nearly a decade, the Chiefs failed to reach the postseason. Injuries, inconsistency, and missed opportunities turned what began with championship expectations into one of the franchise’s most disappointing campaigns in recent memory.
Yet amid all the frustration, one bright spot emerged.
His name is Josh Simmons.
The rookie left tackle may have only appeared in eight games, but what he showed during that stretch was enough to convince many that Kansas City has finally found the long-term answer at one of football’s most important positions.
A Position the Chiefs Have Been Trying to Solve for Years
Finding stability at left tackle has been one of Kansas City’s biggest challenges for several seasons.
Protecting Patrick Mahomes has always been a top priority, but the team has cycled through multiple options without finding a true long-term solution.
When the Chiefs selected Josh Simmons with the final pick of the first round, they believed they were drafting a player capable of changing that.
The talent was obvious.
The athleticism was undeniable.
The only question was whether he would be ready immediately after recovering from the knee injury he suffered during his final college season at Ohio State.
As training camp unfolded, those concerns quickly began to fade.
Simmons looked healthy.
More importantly, he looked ready.
Earning the Trust of the Coaching Staff
From the moment he stepped onto the practice field, Simmons demonstrated why the Chiefs invested a first-round pick in him.
He consistently competed against veteran defenders and never appeared overwhelmed by the speed of the professional game.
Coaches praised his preparation.
Teammates praised his confidence.
Before long, the rookie had earned the starting left tackle job and the enormous responsibility that comes with protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blind side.
For a first-year player, there are few bigger challenges in football.
Simmons embraced it.
A Natural Pass Protector
The most encouraging part of Simmons’ rookie season was his performance in pass protection.
Few offensive linemen enter the NFL and immediately look comfortable against elite pass rushers.
Simmons did.
His first major test came against the Los Angeles Chargers and future Hall of Famer Khalil Mack.
Instead of looking intimidated, Simmons held his own.
There were rookie mistakes, of course. Every young tackle experiences growing pains.
But what stood out was his ability to recover.
His athleticism allowed him to stay connected to defenders.
His footwork kept him balanced.
His competitive mindset never allowed him to quit on a play.
Week after week, improvement became increasingly obvious.
Rapid Development Beyond His Years
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Simmons’ rookie campaign was how quickly his technique evolved.
Many offensive tackles spend years learning how to use their hands effectively at the NFL level.
Simmons began showing advanced techniques within weeks.
His hand placement improved dramatically.
His timing became sharper.
His ability to redirect defenders and use their momentum against them started to resemble that of established veterans.
That kind of growth is extremely rare.
By the second half of his abbreviated season, Simmons wasn’t simply surviving against NFL pass rushers.
He was beginning to control them.
And that’s when the excitement around his future truly began.
More Than Just a Pass Blocker
While much of the attention focused on his pass protection, Simmons also showed flashes of becoming an impact player in the running game.
His combination of size, mobility, and body control makes him a unique athlete for the position.
At the second level, he consistently demonstrated the ability to locate defenders and create running lanes.
His movement skills allow him to make blocks many tackles simply cannot reach.
There is still room for improvement, particularly when it comes to generating more power in certain run-blocking situations.
But those areas often develop naturally as young offensive linemen mature physically and gain experience.
The potential is undeniable.
An Unfortunate Ending
Just as Simmons was building momentum, adversity struck.
After missing time earlier in the season for personal reasons and successfully returning to the lineup, he suffered a fractured wrist on Thanksgiving Day against the Dallas Cowboys.
The injury ended his rookie season.
For many players, that setback could have overshadowed everything they accomplished.
Not for Simmons.
The body of work he produced in just eight games had already left a lasting impression.
Why 2026 Is So Important
The Chiefs enter 2026 facing major questions.
Patrick Mahomes is recovering from one of the most significant injuries of his career.
The offense must regain its identity.
The franchise needs players who can become foundational pieces moving forward.
Josh Simmons appears capable of being one of those players.
The flashes of brilliance were already there in 2025.
Now the challenge is consistency.
Can he stay healthy?
Can he continue developing?
Can he become one of the NFL’s premier left tackles?
Those are the questions that will define the next stage of his career.
The Bottom Line
The Chiefs may have endured a disappointing season in 2025, but they may have discovered something incredibly valuable in the process.
For years, Kansas City searched for stability at left tackle.
They searched for a player capable of protecting the most important asset in the organization.
They may finally have found him.
Josh Simmons still has room to grow.
He still has lessons to learn.
But based on everything he showed during his rookie season, the future looks incredibly bright.
If his development continues on its current path, the Chiefs won’t just have a good left tackle.
They could have one of the best in football.
And for a team built around Patrick Mahomes, that could change everything.
Headline gợi ý cho Facebook
🔥 Josh Simmons Might Be the Best Thing to Come Out of the Chiefs’ 2025 Season
🔥 The Chiefs Finally Found Their Left Tackle of the Future
🔥 Why Chiefs Fans Should Be Excited About Josh Simmons in 2026
🔥 Josh Simmons Showed Signs of Greatness Before Injury Cut His Rookie Season Short
Caption Facebook
Chiefs fans finally have a reason to feel confident about the left tackle position 👀🔥
Josh Simmons only played eight games as a rookie, but what he showed was enough to convince many that Kansas City may have found its long-term answer protecting Patrick Mahomes.
Could Simmons become one of the NFL’s elite tackles in 2026? 👇❤️💛
