Patrick Mahomes says rookie Josh Simmons can be 'one of the best' left tackles in NFL

Patrick Mahomes was very complimentary of rookie teammate Josh Simmons. The former Ohio State star goes into his rookie season with expectations, but Mahomes may have set the bar even higher.

Already building a Hall of Fame resume, Mahomes said Simmons could be one of the best at his position in the entire league. Simmons was selected with the No. 32 overall pick (first round) back in April.

Simmons is the projected starter at left tackle, protecting Mahomes’ blindside. If he’s as good as advertised, the quarterback will have plenty of time in the pocket.

“He’s a ‘dawg’ at the end of the day,” Mahomes said on Up and Adams. “I mean, he’s obviously working through being an NFL pro and being a veteran, but when it comes to just pass blocking and run blocking, he can get the job done. That’s where it all starts off, so he’s getting tested out here (against) Spags and the defensive line that we have. But I think, I don’t know if there’s one moment, I think it’s just you hear the defensive guys talk about him, and they all are saying the right things when you want a guy that’s going to go out there and contribute. 

“And so, the sky’s the limit. I mean he has a chance to be one of the best there is at that left tackle position, but he’s got to go out there and prove that in the regular season.”

Simmons was named to the Third-Team All-Big Ten last season and helped Ohio State win the national championship. He spent two years with the Buckeyes after playing his first two seasons at San Diego State.

As a member of the Class of 2021, Simmons was a three-star recruit out of La Mesa (Calif.) Helix, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He was the No. 36 overall prospect in the state, the No. 26 interior offensive lineman in the class and the No. 444 overall prospect in the class.

Simmons will be key for the offense as the Chiefs look to rebound from their Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. In a bid to earn the first three-peat in NFL history, Kansas City fell 40-22 to Philadelphia after going into a 40-6 hole in the second half.

Mahomes was consistently pressured and the offense never clicked until garbage time. The Chiefs have had a history of solid offensive lines for Mahomes under Andy Reid. But, they certainly saw the need to add a player of Simmons’ caliber this spring.