The Kansas City Chiefs swung and missed at left tackle a year ago, but they believe they’ve found a gem the second time around.

One year after taking BYU product Kingsley Suamataia with the 63rd overall pick and watching him struggle after being thrown into the fire of live NFL action, Kansas City spent a first-round pick on Ohio State’s Josh Simmons, a tackle with plenty of upside but health concerns following a season-ending patellar tendon injury. Despite the injury — which Simmons suffered midway through Ohio State’s national championship-winning season — the tackle has demonstrated significant progress in his road back to the field.

He’s also made quite the impression on an elder statesman in the Chiefs organization: tight end Travis Kelce.

“He was playing defensive end as just like a scout team defensive end,” Kelce said of their interactions during OTAs and minicamp during an episode of their New Heights podcast, “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, ‘All right, I gotta come with it, even when he’s just giving the look. I gotta make sure I’ve got my feet planted, man.'”

Add Kelce’s brother, future Pro Football Hall of Fame center Jason, to the group of impressed evaluators.

“I’ve watched a lot of these linemen coming out (of college) the last few years,” said Jason Kelce, who was a six-time All-Pro center with Philly. “This kid, I mean, he is the closest thing I’ve seen to like a Trent Williams … like that next level strength and athleticism. The only reason he fell to you guys is because of that injury.”

Whenever Williams’ name is mentioned when comparing linemen, it’s high praise — especially when it comes from fellow elite NFL blockers. Kansas City has another one of those in guard Trey Smith, who offered his input on Simmons after the conclusion of spring activities.

“I haven’t seen him in action, but I just heard that he is so strong, like, unbelievably strong,” Smith said. “So Trav, as you (were) saying about his hands, like, that’s perfect from what I’m hearing. But obviously the talent is there, man.

“He’s gonna be a great asset to the team. And I’m looking forward to it, bro.”

Despite reaching their third straight Super Bowl, the Chiefs’ most glaring weakness was up front. Their attempts to fill the void left by the departure of veteran Donovan Smith — which also included giving Wanya Morris a chance to claim the job — failed so drastically, they ended up moving guard Joe Thuney out to tackle just to settle the unit.

While that worked, Kansas City’s offensive line became an average starting five at best and was dominated by Philadelphia’s pass rush in Super Bowl LIX. This experience informed the Chiefs to prioritize the group even more significantly entering 2025, leading to their selection of Simmons, an agile, athletic tackle who produced plenty of excellent tape during his time with the Buckeyes.

Kelce hopes it’s only the beginning for Simmons.

“Oh yes, baby, get him in there, get him nice and ingrained in the culture we got over there, man,” he said. “Have some fun while we go and whip some (butt).”