Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) during a press conference in advance of Super Bowl LIX at New Orleans Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
This year, during the NFL Draft, the chiefs bet much higher by selecting, in the first round (32nd choice), Josh Simmons, a talented Tackle of Ohio State. Despite a serious rotal tendon injury that ended its season during the national coronation of Buckeyes, Simmons has already shown solid signs of progression in its rehabilitation. He also impressed a chiefing star: Travis Kelce.
Kelce impressed by the force of Simmons
Player of the Kansas City franchise since 2013, the Tight End is about to play its 13th season in the big league. In as many years, Travis Kelce faced the best defenders in the world, some with impressive physics. But at 35, the latter admitted to having been surprised by the power of rookie.
“He was playing Defensive End in the Scout team during the Otas and the Minicamp,” said Kelce in the Podcast New Heights that he animates with his brother Jason. “He played his role seriously, like a real pro. When I felt his hands grab me, I said to myself: ‘OK, I will have to be ready, even if he is only simulating. I must be solid on my supports. ‘ »»
His brother, Jason Kelce, former All-Pro center and future Hall of Famer, was also amazed:
“I have seen a lot of Linemen in recent years in NCAA. This kid is what is closest to Trent Williams that I saw. An extraordinary strength and explosiveness. If he fell so low in the draft, it was only because of his injury. »»
Trent Williams, 11 times Pro Bowler (7 times consecutively), is the Left Star Tackle of the 49ers and an absolute reference at its post. Elly, all the more striking comments as they come from players who have shone at the highest level.
Trey Smith, Guard des Chiefs, has not yet seen Simmons in match, but the feedback he receives are just as promising:
“I was told that he is incredibly strong. Really. His hands are powerful, as Trav pointed out. Talent is there, no doubt. It will be a real asset for us. »»
A priority for Kansas City after the Super Bowl
Despite a third consecutive participation in the Super Bowl, the chiefing offensive line was their main weak point. The failure of the replacement of Donovan Smith, then the hazardous experiment with Wanya Morris, led to moving the Guard Joe Thuney to Tackle to stabilize everything. Result: a correct offensive line, nothing more, which was completely exceeded by the defensive pressure of Philadelphia during the Super Bowl Lix.
These difficulties prompted Kansas City to make the offensive line a priority for the 2025 NFL season. The choice of Josh Simmons is fully part of this logic: an agile, powerful tackle, and author of very good performance with Ohio State.
And Travis Kelce intends to integrate it quickly:
“Oh yes, that we quickly put it in the bath, that he soaks up from our culture here! We’re going to have fun doing the job! »»
With this new promising lineman, the chiefs may well go back to the Super Bowl attack, this time with an offensive line up to their ambitions.
Crédit photo : Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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