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Despite their most recent Super Bowl loss, the Kansas City Chiefs have become synonymous with excellence, consistency, and smart roster management over the past several years. That’s why anytime a rookie starts generating buzz during Organized Team Activities (OTAs), fans take notice. In 2025, one first-round draft pick — Josh Simmons — is quietly turning heads. Even while being limited due to injury, Simmons is drawing praise for his professionalism and maturity. That sets him up as a key piece for the Chiefs’ offensive line future.
Coming off another deep playoff run, Kansas City entered the 2025 offseason knowing that roster tweaks — not overhauls — would be necessary to stay ahead of the competition. However, some of those tweaks involved significant risks.
The biggest headline came with the trade of Pro Bowl guard Joe Thuney. Trading away a proven anchor on the line is never easy. This is especially true when his departure leaves a void in protection for franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs are gambling that Kingsley Suamataia can transition to guard and perform at a higher level. If he can’t, that interior line could quickly become an area of concern.
Meanwhile, Kansas City handed out a contract to free agent tackle Jaylon Moore. Many fell that signing was an overpay given his inconsistent track record. The Chiefs are hoping Moore can stabilize one tackle spot while their first-round pick, Josh Simmons, works his way back to full health. Simmons is expected to eventually take over at left tackle, but for now, patience will be key.
Elsewhere, Kansas City made sure to keep several vital pieces in place. They retained both Trey Smith and linebacker Nick Bolton. At wide receiver, getting Rashee Rice back will provide a significant boost. Rice showed flashes of becoming Mahomes’ go-to target in critical moments last season. His return stabilizes a group that is otherwise thin on proven production.
Here we’ll try to look at the Kansas City Chiefs rookie player whose stock is rising and turning heads in 2025 OTAs.
The life of an NFL rookie is difficult under any circumstances. However, Simmons entered his professional journey facing an even steeper hill to climb. The former Ohio State standout suffered a torn patellar tendon during the 2024 college football season. That serious injury not only cut short his final season. It also caused him to slide down many draft boards.
Kansas City, however, saw the opportunity to pounce. With Simmons falling into the latter part of the first round, the Chiefs executed a draft-day trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. The calculated move allowed Kansas City to land a player who may have been a top-15 pick had he been fully healthy entering the draft.
Despite being limited in OTAs as he continues his rehab, Simmons is making the most of every opportunity. His work ethic and attention to detail have been a constant topic of conversation among Chiefs coaches.
“I’ve really...
