The Kansas City Chiefs‘ offensive line certainly needs improvement from last year’s Super Bowl LIX fiasco that saw them concede six sacks en route to a 40-22 loss to the Eagles.
However, it seems like things are looking up for the unit, despite trading away All-Pro guard, Joe Thuney, to the Chicago Bears earlier in the offseason.
Or, specifically – one player is looking up for the unit – that being 2025 first round pick, Josh Simmons, who received a very flattering player comparison from his teammate, George Karlaftis.
Speaking on Fox Sports 1’s “Speak” on Tuesday, Karlaftis was asked by Joy Taylor if he agreed with future Hall of Fame center, Jason Kelce‘s assessment that Simmons reminds him of fellow future Hall of Famer, current San Francisco 49ers tackle, Trent Williams.
And Karlaftis gave an answer that will get Chiefs fans very excited for the future of the team’s left tackle position.
George Karlaftis Agrees With Kelce’s Statement On Josh Simmons
“Yeah I mean Jason knows what he’s talking about when he’s talking about o-line, right”, Karlaftis said to FS1, “there are definitely a lot of shades there just with the athleticism alone, his size. I think that’s a fair comparison, just off the intangibles alone.”
“You know, let’s see how he develops. I think he has all the tools, the intangibles and the work ethic to be as great as he wants to be. It’s all about putting in the work at the end of the day. I would agree with Jason’s comparison for sure.”
Are The Trent Williams Comparisons Fair?
At the end of the day, we have not seen Josh Simmons take a single snap either in the pre or regular season. So, in theory, no.
But Karlaftis has been seeing him in practice – although the full scale of his practice has been limited due a torn patellar tendon that has kept him out since last October.
Indeed, it was said torn patellar tendon that was a key factor in Simmons’ slide to the 32nd overall pick this past April.
Trent Williams is one of the all-time great tackles in the NFL, with four All-Pro nods and an incredible 11 Pro Bowl selections. Arguably only Anthony Munoz was a better run-blocking left tackle in the league’s entire history, as “Silverback” has helped orchestrate what has long been one of the best run-first offenses in pro football with the San Francisco 49ers.
Yet, even if he is not quite at Williams’ level, anything even resembling the All-Pro tackle is a huge step in the right direction.
Right now, the expected tackle tandem is projected to be Jaylon Moore on the left and veteran Jawaan Taylor on the right hand side, but the battle for both spots is anything but wrapped up.
However, the former Ohio State tackle is expected to return and be available for training camp, which will give us a lot more information as to the kind of player the Chiefs have on their hands. And if Simmons will indeed become Kansas City’s blindside protector of the future.
