Jason Kelce knows a thing or two about great left tackles. Before he played alongside Jordan Mailata, a second-team All-Pro this past season, Kelce shared a Philadelphia Eagles offensive line with a two-time first-team All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowler at the position: Jason Peters.
When Kelce, a six-time first-team All-Pro center, talks line play, his words carry the weight he used to move around in the trenches.
Advertisement
During the latest episode of the “New Heights” podcast, Kelce didn’t hold back when discussing one of the league’s newest left tackles, Kansas City Chiefs first-round pick Josh Simmons.
“I’ve watched a lot of these linemen coming out the last few years,” Jason Kelce said to his co-host and brother Travis Kelce, as well as to their guest, Chiefs right guard Trey Smith.
“This kid, I mean he is the closest thing I’ve seen to like a Trent Williams. … That next-level strength and athleticism.”
Williams was the league’s top left tackle not too long ago. The now-36-year-old and 11-time Pro Bowler made a run of three straight first-team All-Pro seasons with the San Francisco 49ers from 2021-23.
Advertisement
Before Simmons can even start his journey to that kind of prestige, the former San Diego State and Ohio State lineman will have to complete his recovery from last year’s ACL tear that dropped him to the end of the first round of April’s NFL Draft. Then he’ll have to win a training camp position battle against Jaylon Moore, whom the Chiefs signed to a two-year deal this offseason. Moore spent his first four NFL seasons with the 49ers, mostly backing up Williams.
The Chiefs are looking for an answer at left tackle this season after going through four starters at the position in 2024. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Simmons could fit the bill.
“To me, watching the tape [from] college, it was absurd,” Jason said of Simmons. “The athletic ability and size. Trav knows because I’ve been watching this dude, and I’ve been preaching.”
Travis interjected.
“I’ve seen it,” the Chiefs superstar tight end said on “New Heights,” recalling a memory from Chiefs mandatory minicamp. “He was playing defensive end, just like a scout team defensive end. And he was just playing his gap. But he was being a pro. He was being locked in and being a pro, and I felt that man’s hands grab me, and I was like, ‘Alright! Alright!’ I got to come with it, even when he’s just giving the looks. I got to make sure I’ve got my feet planted, man.”
Advertisement
Simmons was enjoying a breakout season at Ohio State last fall before going down with his season-ending knee injury on the road against Oregon on Oct. 12. He hadn’t allowed a sack in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus, which also had him down for just one pressure conceded and one penalty committed in six games last season.
“I haven’t seen him in action, but I just heard that he is so strong, like unbelievably strong,” said Smith, who made the Pro Bowl at right guard last season.
“Obviously the talent is there, man. I’ve seen some of his film as well, and [he] obviously got a chance to win a natty last year. Shout out to him. But I think he is going to be a great asset to the team, and I’m looking forward to it.”
