Kansas City Chiefs Bolster Offensive Line, Draft Ohio State’s Josh Simmons with 32nd Pick in 2025 NFL Draft

April 25, 2025 – The Kansas City Chiefs made a strategic move to protect their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, by selecting Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons with the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The selection, announced late Thursday night, addresses a critical need for the Chiefs as they aim to solidify their offensive line and maintain their dominance in the AFC.

A Much-Needed Addition to the Offensive Line

The Chiefs’ decision to draft Simmons comes on the heels of a 2024 season where their offensive line showed moments of vulnerability, particularly in establishing a consistent running game and providing Mahomes with adequate protection during his signature extended plays. A recent article from Motorcycle Sports on April 8, 2025, highlighted the team’s offseason focus on a “monumental offensive line overhaul” to revive their ground game and reduce pressure on Mahomes’ passing attack. The selection of Simmons aligns perfectly with this strategy, as the team looks to build a more balanced and sustainable offensive rhythm.

Simmons, a 6’5”, 310-pound senior from Ohio State, brings a blend of size, athleticism, and experience to Kansas City. According to his profile on ohiostatebuckeyes.com, Simmons started 19 games at left tackle for the Buckeyes, earning honorable mention all-Big Ten honors in 2024 despite a season-ending injury after just six games. His resilience and proven performance in the competitive Big Ten conference made him an attractive prospect for a Chiefs team looking to shore up their line.

Protecting Patrick Mahomes: A Top Priority

Patrick Mahomes, known for his improvisational style and ability to extend plays, has often relied on his mobility to evade pressure. However, as noted in a 2019 article from kansascity.com, the Chiefs’ offensive line has historically needed to adapt to Mahomes’ dynamic playmaking, a challenge that requires linemen with both strength and agility. Simmons fits this mold, with scouting reports praising his quick feet and ability to anchor against powerful edge rushers—qualities that will help keep Mahomes upright as he navigates the pocket.

The Chiefs’ focus on protecting Mahomes is not new. Their history of first-round draft picks, as documented on Wikipedia, includes notable offensive linemen like Eric Fisher, selected first overall in 2013. Picking Simmons at 32nd overall in 2025—a slot indicative of their recent success as a playoff contender—underscores their ongoing commitment to building a robust front line. With Mahomes’ long-term health and performance in mind, the Chiefs are clearly investing in a future where their quarterback can continue to operate at an elite level.

Josh Simmons: A Closer Look

Simmons’ journey to the NFL has been marked by determination and growth. Hailing from San Diego, California, he initially played at San Diego State before transferring to Ohio State, where he became a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ offensive line. His 2024 season, though cut short by injury, showcased his potential as a top-tier left tackle, with analysts noting his ability to handle speed rushers and maintain leverage in the run game. Pro-Football-Reference.com lists Ohio State as a pipeline for NFL talent, with alumni like Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Rodgers making significant impacts in the league, and Simmons now joins that storied tradition.

Chiefs fans on X were quick to react to the pick. The original post from @BBQChiefs, which included a striking image of Simmons in his Ohio State uniform preparing for a snap, garnered attention for its succinct caption: “The Chiefs have selected LT Josh Simmons from Ohio State with the 32nd. Mahomes gets protection.” A reply from @Clarkantyler echoed