The Kansas City Chiefs’ biggest flaw was exposed on the biggest stage last season.
Left tackle was a revolving door for the Chiefs all season, which explains why they gave up six sacks to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
No matter who the Chiefs turned to, they were consistently getting poor protection at one of the most important positions in football.
It got so bad that they moved Joe Thuney from guard to tackle out of desperation, but the Chiefs may have finally found someone who can protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side.
Kansas City used its first-round pick in this year’s draft on Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons, and the rookie is already turning heads.
Despite coming off a patellar tendon injury, Simmons shined during OTAs and minicamp, so much so that his performance caught the attention of a very important veteran on the team.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Travis Kelce described Simmons as a ‘pro’ during an episode of his New Heights podcast. While the 10-time Pro Bowl tight end had good things to say about Simmons, his brother Jason Kelce had even loftier praise for the rookie tackle.
“He is the closest thing I've seen to like a Trent Williams,” said Jason Kelce.
Having a future Hall of Famer like Kelce compare Simmons to an 11-time Pro Bowler is about as strong an endorsement as there is.
Even if Simmons doesn’t fully live up to the sky-high expectations the Kelces have for him, just being a reliable and steady presence at left tackle would be an upgrade at a crucial area of need for the Chiefs.
More NFL: Chiefs' Travis Kelce predicted to retire in major career decision