On Thursday, the Kansas City Chiefs will be on the clock. It’s no secret they have specific needs in the upcoming NFL draft. Although they signed a free agent to play left tackle this season, they seem enthusiastic about a potential generational tackle who could reshape their offensive line for the next decade.
Left Tackle Josh Williams is the best offensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, a torn Patella Tendon in October has some NFL teams questioning if he’s still a first-round pick.
Without the injury, we’re not having this conversation regarding the Kansas City Chiefs’ strong interest in moving up in the first round to draft their future left tackle. It will cost them a great deal to do so, and they may be willing to pay the price.
There is no doubt that the Chief’s interest is on high alert. The same sentiment we’ve heard about their draft fascination last season, wide receiver Xavier Worthy, applies to Simmons this April.
But how realistic is it that he slides far enough for the Chiefs to make a deal?
Despite the injury, it’s doubtful he gets past the Houston Texans (Pick 25) or the Baltimore Ravens (Pick 27). So that means they’ll need to make a deal with either the Green Bay Packers (Pick 23) or the Minnesota Vikings (Pick 24).
The Vikings might be the best suitor for the Chiefs. They have only four draft picks this year and are open to all offers to expand their roster. However, the Chiefs aren’t flush with picks either.
If they make a deal with the Chiefs, it will cost them their #1, #3, and #7 picks, as well as one of their #7 picks, to complete this trade.
In the off-season, the Chiefs signed free agent left tackle Jaylon Moore from the San Francisco 49ers, who had been Trent Williams’s understudy for the last two years.
Simmons likely won’t be ready to play until mid-season, but if he can start on opening day, the Chiefs could shift Moore to left guard. Kingsley Suamataia would need to win the guard job instead of being handed it this season, like he was anointed in 2024 at left tackle.
However, Jawaan Taylor is likely playing his last season in Kansas City. He also has a lingering knee issue that should be of significant concern for Head Coach Andy Reid.
On Thursday, Brett Veach spoke to the media and indicated that he would move up in the first round if it meant acquiring a tackle or player he believed was worth spending additional draft capital.
From all accounts, Simmons seems to be the player the Chiefs desire the most. However, will he drop enough for them to finalize a deal? Furthermore, will another team be willing to assist the Chiefs?
Now that the shine is off the franchise, and NFL teams feel they’ve closed the gap on chasing the Chiefs, perhaps Veach will have more trade partners next weekend.
Either way, the Chiefs can find value in this draft through the fourth round. However, it’s possible they may not move up to acquire Simmons; instead, they might exit the first round.
So, will they get Simmons? We’re about to find out!
