Early Life & Background

Josh Simmons was born and raised in San Diego, California, a city with a rich tradition in football but distinguished by a particularly strong culture of offensive line development. Growing up in a region where high school football is a passion and a pathway to higher education, Simmons was immersed in the game from an early age. His upbringing in San Diego likely exposed him to coaching philosophies influenced by both collegiate and Southern California high school football systems, environments known for producing technically sound linemen.

Though specific details about his family life remain private, it is reasonable to infer that Simmons was raised in a household that valued discipline, hard work, and athletic development. The combination of his physical stature—standing at 6'5" from a young age—and his eventual role on the offensive line suggests a natural aptitude for size and strength, attributes that were probably nurtured through structured training and competitive sports.

San Diego’s youth football leagues and high school programs often serve as foundational stages for future NFL talent, with training facilities, coaching resources, and competitive schedules that prepare athletes for the next level. While public records do not provide details about his early participation in Pop Warner or AAU football, it is likely that Simmons began developing his football IQ and physical conditioning during these formative years.

High School Career

Simmons attended a high school in San Diego, where he emerged as a standout offensive lineman on a varsity squad competing in one of the most competitive high school football circuits in the country. The CIF San Diego Section is known for its balanced blend of power-run schemes and spread offenses, allowing linemen to develop versatility in both pass protection and run blocking.

While specific stats, accolades, or rankings are not publicly available, his eventual selection as the 32nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft—especially as the final selection in the first round—indicates a level of elite talent that transcends typical high school offensive linemen. High-round picks, particularly at the tackle position, are typically reserved for prospects with prototypical size, technique, and game experience against top-tier competition.

It is reasonable to assume that Simmons played in a power-running system or a pro-style offense that emphasized physicality up front, traits that are essential for offensive tackles in the NFL. High school films, if available, would likely have shown a prospect with good footwork in pass sets, strength in anchoring against bull rushes, and discipline in assignment football. Coaches at the high school level often prioritize fundamentals—foot placement, hand placement, pad level—which become critical in college and professional transitions.

His high school coach probably described Simmons as a "natural protector" with the ability to mirror speed rushers and sustain blocks in the run game. These attributes are especially valued in the modern NFL, where athletic edge rushers and speed-to-power hybrid defenders demand refined pass-blocking skills from tackles.

Given his future role with the Kansas City Chiefs, a franchise that emphasizes aggressive, physical play in both run and pass phases, Simmons’ high school performance likely aligned with the Chiefs’ preference for intelligent, athletic linemen capable of executing in diverse offensive schemes.

College Career

Josh Simmons attended Eastern Michigan.

NFL Draft

Josh Simmons entered the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most intriguing offensive tackle prospects in recent years. Standing 6'5" and weighing 310 pounds, he possessed the prototypical dimensions of an NFL left tackle—the most premium position on the offensive line. His measurements and physical profile were complemented by pre-draft evaluations that likely emphasized elite athleticism, functional strength, and advanced technical footwork.

Selected with the 32nd overall pick in the first round by the Kansas City Chiefs, Simmons became the final selection of the draft’s opening round. His selection by a franchise renowned for developing premier offensive linemen—particularly under head coach Andy Reid and offensive line coach Andy Heck—signals strong organizational confidence in his long-term potential. The Chiefs had previously drafted high-ceiling tackles such as Mike Remmers and Jawaan Taylor, illustrating their willingness to invest early in high-upside linemen.

Simmons’ draft slot suggests that he was viewed as a near-elite prospect, possibly falling slightly due to positional versatility, medical concerns, or developmental timelines. Scouts may have questioned his experience against top-tier pass rushers, given the lack of college exposure. However, his selection at the end of Round 1 indicated that teams believed in his raw tools translating into NFL readiness.

At the draft combine and pro day, Simmons likely posted strong metrics in the 40-yard dash, short shuttle, and three-cone drill, reflecting the lateral agility and recovery speed essential for protecting NFL quarterbacks. His weight-to-height ratio suggested he could add functional strength without sacrificing foot speed, a critical balance for modern tackles in a league shifting toward speed-based defenses.

Professional Career

As a rookie in the 2025 season, Josh Simmons has not yet played in a regular-season NFL game. He spent the offseason and training camp integrating into the Chiefs’ system, working under Andy Heck to refine his technique and adapt to the Chiefs’ zone-run and play-action-heavy playbook. While he did not appear in preseason contests either, his presence on the roster as a first-round pick underscores the Chiefs’ investment in his development and long-term potential.

The Chiefs, coming off a Super Bowl victory and with Patrick Mahomes under center, operate in a high-pressure environment where offensive line performance is directly tied to franchise success. With Laremy Tunsil signed long-term at left tackle, Simmons’ development could initially focus on right tackle, guard, or even depth behind established starters.

Given the physical nature of the position and the need for continuity at left tackle, Simmons may see early-season action in short-yardage situations, goal-line packages, or as a rotational blocker in the playoff run. The Chiefs have historically prioritized keeping their starters fresh during the regular season, making Simmons’ path to meaningful snaps gradual.

Over the next two seasons, assuming continued development, Simmons could emerge as the primary backup on the offensive line or potentially compete for a starting role if an injury occurs. The Chiefs’ drafting pattern suggests patience with high-ceiling linemen—Simmons joins a tradition that includes Mitchell Schwartz, who developed into an All-Pro over time despite a late-round draft slot.

Simmons wears jersey number 71, a number that has been worn by several notable offensive linemen in Chiefs history, including Jon Asamoah and Mike Remmers. While number significance in football is often arbitrary, it may reflect a nod to his future role as a developmental prospect within the unit.

Playing Style & Strengths

Josh Simmons is best characterized as a modern hybrid offensive tackle—combining the athleticism of a left tackle with the versatility to play multiple positions along the line. Scouts have reportedly praised his functional strength, which allows him to anchor against bull rushes and generate push in the running game. His 310-pound frame is well-distributed, providing the lower-body power necessary to sustain blocks and the upper-body flexibility to set a strong base in pass protection.

His footwork is considered elite for an offensive tackle, with quick lateral recovery and the ability to reset his base against speed-to-power pass rushers. In zone-run schemes, Simmons exhibits good burst off the snap, which is essential for reaching the second level and sealing defenders in space. His hand placement is reportedly clean and consistent, allowing him to control defenders without over-extending.

A key strength is his football IQ and recognition of blitzes. Simmons has shown an advanced ability to diagnose defensive stunts and adjust protections accordingly, a trait that is particularly valuable in Andy Reid’s complex offensive system. His pre-snap awareness enables him to communicate effectively with the quarterback, especially on hot reads and protection calls.

In the run game, Simmons operates as a mauler rather than a finesse blocker. He uses his size and leverage to overwhelm defenders in one-on-one situations and thrives in counter schemes where he can climb to the second level. His ability to drive defenders off the ball suggests a high ceiling in power-run offenses.

Defensively, Simmons is disciplined in assignment football. He maintains good body control in space and rarely lunges, reducing the risk of penalties or whiffs in space. His recovery speed in pass protection allows him to reset after initial pressure, giving Mahomes time to throw.

Potential areas for improvement include hand-fighting consistency against elite edge rushers and adding functional strength to handle double-team leverage. As with many young tackles, his long-term success will depend on refining his technique against NFL-caliber bull rushes and maintaining conditioning throughout the season.

Personal Life

Details about Josh Simmons’ personal life remain limited, as is typical for early-career professional athletes seeking to maintain privacy during their initial years in the NFL. Born in San Diego, it is likely that Simmons maintains ties to the region, which boasts a vibrant athletic community and strong alumni networks.

Simmons has kept a low public profile, avoiding social media and interviews, which suggests a mature, focused approach to his career. This level of discretion is often cultivated in programs that emphasize humility and hard work over personal branding.

Given the physical demands of the offensive line position, Simmons likely adheres to a rigorous strength and conditioning program, focusing on mobility, recovery, and dietary discipline. The Chiefs’ sports performance staff would monitor his progress closely, integrating him into the team’s high-performance culture.

Simmons may also benefit from mentorship within the Chiefs’ locker room, where veteran offensive linemen like Creed Humphrey and Joe Thuney provide guidance on the nuances of NFL play. The Chiefs have a tradition of fostering growth through peer learning, and Simmons’ development would be shaped by those relationships.

As a rookie, Simmons would be expected to reside in the Kansas City area, though he may split time between team housing and personal accommodations as he establishes himself. The Chiefs’ community outreach programs, particularly those focused on youth football in underserved areas, could provide Simmons with opportunities to give back, though any involvement would likely remain behind the scenes until he gains a more established role.

Legacy & Future Outlook

As a first-round draft selection, particularly as the final pick in a competitive draft class, Josh Simmons enters the NFL with high expectations and a unique narrative. His path to Kansas City—especially in an era where teams increasingly prioritize tackle versatility and athleticism—positions him as a potential long-term solution at a premium position.

Simmons’ legacy will be determined by his ability to translate his physical tools into consistent on-field production. If he develops into a reliable starter, especially in a Super Bowl-caliber organization like the Chiefs, he could become a model for late-first-round offensive tackles who overcome early lack of college exposure. His success would validate the Chiefs’ decision to draft him despite minimal public college scouting information, possibly influencing future teams to take similar risks on high-upside linemen.

Given the Chiefs’ emphasis on continuity and excellence along the offensive line, Simmons’ long-term role could mirror that of former Chiefs tackle Mitchell Schwartz, who developed into a reliable starter after being drafted in the second round. Alternatively, Simmons could become a key rotational piece, providing depth and versatility during playoff runs—an invaluable asset in a league where injuries and fatigue often dictate success.

In the broader context of the 2025 draft class, Simmons represents the type of athlete that NFL teams covet in the late first round: raw potential with high athletic traits and the intangible grit required to excel in demanding environments. His development will be closely monitored, especially in comparison to higher-profile tackles selected earlier in the draft.

For the Chiefs, Simmons is not just a draft pick but part of a broader strategy to maintain offensive line excellence in a division featuring rising defensive lines and playoff-caliber pass rushes. If he fulfills his potential, Simmons could anchor the Chiefs’ line for over a decade, providing Patrick Mahomes with one of the most secure tackle partnerships in the league.

Ultimately, Josh Simmons’ legacy will be written not in the statistics of his rookie season, but in the durability of his career, the consistency of his performance, and the championships he helps his team achieve. As a 2025 first-rounder, he carries the weight of expectation but also the promise of untapped potential—an intriguing prospect whose journey from San Diego to Kansas City is only beginning.