The Kansas City Chiefs knew that fixing Patrick Mahomes' protection was job No. 1 this offseason, and as we turn for training camp, the jury is still out.
Left tackle Jaylon Moore, a four-year backup with the San Francisco 49ers, was signed in free agency, and the franchise drafted another tackle, Josh Simmons, in the first round to double down on a key position.
But with Simmons suffering a torn patellar tendon injury last season with Ohio State, there were fears that he might not be able to get in the work needed to hit the ground running in Year 1.
However, he has, and he's impressed with the work he's done.
And for CBS Sports, in naming one takeaway from the offseason, Simmons standing out is top of the list.
"The Kansas City Chiefs desperately needed to fix the left tackle position, and they may have done just that with Justin Simmons," CBS Sports writes. "The Ohio State product was looked at as arguably the top tackle prospect in the 2025 class, but fell to the Chiefs in the bottom of the first round due to a torn patellar injury he suffered with the Buckeyes.
"While that may have contributed to his fall, Simmons has been on the field throughout the offseason program, and Andy Reid also noted that he'll be a full participant come training camp."
While the Chiefs signed Moore to a two-year deal, we think that the franchise, in an ideal world, would like to see Simmons usurp Moore for the starting role.
Even head coach Andy Reid hasn't ruled that out as the franchise looks toward training camp. So yes, Simmons has impressed, but Mahomes stated the ultimate test for him will be at training camp, going against Steve Spagnuolo's defense.
The early signs have been positive for Simmons as he works back toward full health, but we aren't crowning him yet. Once training camp comes along, we will see if he can maintain the high standards he set in minicamp.
