After selecting Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons Thursday night and considering comments by head coach Andy Reid after the draft, it appears the Chiefs’ offensive line will be vastly different this season.
The Kansas City Chiefs certainly did their due diligence regarding Josh Simmons. From the NFL Combine through Wednesday, they maintained constant communication with their top target. When he fell toward the end of the first round, the Chiefs made a decisive selection of the man responsible for protecting the franchise.
Patrick Mahomes certainly seemed pleased when the Chiefs drafted Josh Simmons late Thursday night. After last year’s Super Bowl debacle, where his entire offensive line betrayed him, he is going to see a new offensive line this season.
The Chiefs confirmed that Simmons will be ready for the start of training camp, and they appear convinced that the six-month gap between his surgery and the NFL draft could not have been better.
That means he’s a candidate to start at left tackle this season. That would be a stroke of good luck if he’s healthy.
So, how will the Chiefs’ offensive line look in 2025?
Left Tackle – It seems this will be a two-man race between Simmons and free-agent signee Jaylon Moore. The former San Francisco 49ers left tackle was signed at the start of free agency and, at that time, penciled in as the team’s starting left tackle.
However, that could change with the addition of Simmons. If he is healthy, the Chiefs will not sit Simmons if he performs at a high level in camp. This means Moore may land elsewhere on the offensive line.
Left Guard – The Chiefs have stated that their 2024 second-round pick, Kingsley Suamataia, will be considered to replace Joe Thuney, who was traded to the Chicago Bears before free agency.
He made his debut against the Denver Broncos in the season finale and held his ground. However, he’ll be competing with Mike Caliendo, who was a decent fill-in for Thuney when he moved to left tackle late in the season. At this stage, the former BYU standout is the favorite, but I would not be surprised if the Chiefs draft a guard on Friday or Saturday.
Center – Creed Humphrey is the starter. His experience and skill set make a perfect complement to whoever the Chiefs start at left guard. As the signal caller on the offensive line, he will instruct his new left guard and tackle on the techniques used in Kansas City.
Right Guard – At some point over the next month, the Chiefs and All-Pro guard Trey Smith will announce his new contract. According to sources, the parameters of the deal are in place, but the timing isn’t right until the Chiefs complete the draft and rookie mini-camp. Smith is the top guard in the NFL, and his new contract will reflect that belief.
Right Tackle—Jawaan Taylor is the incumbent, but he’s on shaky ground. Ever since arriving from Jacksonville, he has struggled to play right tackle for the Chiefs. Last season, he dealt with a knee issue that required offseason surgery. He carries a massive cap number this season and next, so it’s doubtful the Chiefs can cut or trade him until after the season.
Reid and Brett Veach mentioned last night that the best five offensive linemen will play, which means Jaylon Moore will have a chance to move from left tackle to the right. I’m not sure how quickly Moore can adapt to the right side, but he might be their future at the position.
All these changes will shake out in OTAs and training camp, but one thing is sure: Patrick Mahomes might not be running for his life this season, and that’s bad news for the AFC West and the NFL.
