Chiefs' Mahomes: Rookie OT Simmons could be 'best there is'

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had high praise for rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons at training camp this week.

"He's just a dog," Mahomes told Kay Adams on the "Up & Adams" show. "He's obviously working through being an NFL pro ... when it comes to pass-blocking and run-blocking, he can get the job done."

Mahomes added: "The sky's the limit. I mean, he has the chance to be the best there is at that left tackle position."

Kansas City selected Simmons with the 32nd pick in the 2025 draft. The Ohio State product was the fifth offensive tackle taken behind Will Campbell, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks Jr., and Josh Conerly Jr.

Simmons suffered a torn patellar tendon in October and missed the remainder of his final college campaign. However, he's on pace to be ready for the first game of the regular season and has been participating in on-field activities at training camp.

The 22-year-old suited up in 19 games for the Buckeyes in his final two years at college. He primarily played left tackle, allowing just one sack and 16 pressures in 579 true pass-blocking snaps, according to PFF.

Kansas City has deployed a different Week 1 starting left tackle in each of the last three seasons, and Simmons is projected to be the fourth in as many years.

"He's consistently showing up every day and working," head coach Andy Reid said of Simmons in early August, according to ESPN's Nate Taylor. "He's a worker, and he's willing to do it. You've got to keep on going. He's done a nice job."

The Chiefs kick off their season against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 5 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.