Every Chiefs fan knows how crucial protecting Mahomes is — one hit on the blindside can change an entire season. But this year, that responsibility may fall not on a veteran, but on a rookie: Josh Simmons. The surprising truth? The Chiefs aren’t just hoping he’ll succeed — they’re expecting him to dominate from day one.
A Rookie with a Heavy Assignment
When the Chiefs used their first-round draft pick on Josh Simmons, they weren’t just drafting for depth. They were drafting for legacy. Simmons isn’t being eased in — he’s being positioned to protect the most valuable asset in professional sports: Patrick Mahomes’ blindside.
Think about that. The rookie out of Ohio State isn’t walking into the NFL with the luxury of time. He’s walking in with the expectation of excellence. And if you know the Chiefs’ culture — a mix of accountability, fire, and precision — that’s not a bad thing. That’s exactly how they forge champions.
Why the Mahomes Sack Numbers Changed the Draft Board?
Let’s be real: 36 sacks in 2024, and six in Super Bowl LIX? That’s unacceptable by Kansas City standards. When Mahomes is under pressure, the offense sputters — not because he lacks magic, but because you’re forcing magic out of rhythm.
That’s why Andy Reid and Brett Veach pivoted hard. They didn’t just draft Simmons. They restructured the trenches:
Signed Jaylon Moore (veteran swing tackle)
Tagged Trey Smith (to hold the interior)
Moved Kingsley Suamataia inside (for versatility and leverage)
But Simmons is the long play. The blindside anchor. The future.
Strengths That Fit the Chiefs’ DNA
Simmons isn’t just big — he’s explosive. His footwork is elite, his hand placement violent, and his spatial awareness for picking up stunts and blitzes is years beyond his age. At Ohio State, he allowed just one pressure in his final seven games. That’s not a stat — that’s a message.
He thrives in zone blocking, has the agility for screen work, and mirrors edge rushers in pass protection. That’s exactly what Reid’s scheme demands. This isn’t about building a mauler — it’s about protecting a generational playmaker in a dynamic system.
Now, here’s the rub: it’s still a rookie in one of the toughest roles in football. Playing left tackle against AFC pass rushers means weekly matchups against All-Pro-caliber monsters.
But Simmons isn’t alone. He’s walking into a locker room where leadership is earned, not handed out, and where players like Travis Kelce, Creed Humphrey, and Mahomes himself know how to raise the standard for newcomers. This is a warrior culture. And Simmons? He looks ready for the fight.
If Josh Simmons pans out, Mahomes gets something he’s rarely had: trust in his blindside. That changes everything — timing, play development, deep routes, and third-down conversions.
And if he doesn’t? The Chiefs will know early — and pivot fast. But based on early camp reps, body language, and how coaches speak about him, there’s a quiet confidence building at Arrowhead. The kind of confidence that says: “We might’ve just landed the next great one.”
Conclusion: Building the Wall for a Dynasty
Protecting Mahomes isn’t a luxury — it’s a mandate. And Josh Simmons may be the cornerstone of that effort for the next decade.
Every great dynasty has its unsung heroes. Simmons may not be the face of the franchise. But if he succeeds in this role, he’ll be the backbone of it.
The Chiefs aren’t just expecting greatness — they’re planning around it. And Simmons? He’s stepping into that fire with purpose.
