Jason Kelce blown away by Patrick Mahomes’ new protector: “Closest thing to Trent Williams”
Patrick Mahomes might have found his next great blindside protector – and Jason is all in.
Jason Kelce was full of praise for Kansas City Chiefs rookie Josh Simmons.
On the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, the recently retired Eagles legend and six-time All-Pro center Jason Kelce couldn’t stop raving about Kansas City Chiefs first-round pick Josh Simmons, calling him “the closest thing I’ve seen to Trent Williams.”
That kind of praise doesn’t come lightly from Kelce, who spent years anchoring one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive lines, sharing trenches with stars like Jason Peters and Jordan Mailata. And when it comes to evaluating elite left tackles, Kelce’s word carries serious weight.
“I’ve watched a lot of linemen coming out the last few years,” Kelce told his brother and co-host Travis, alongside Chiefs Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith. “This kid… that next-level strength and athleticism, it’s absurd. I’ve been preaching about this dude.”
Travis is also impressed with Josh
The hype around Simmons has been steadily growing since the Chiefs snagged him late in the first round of April’s draft. Though his draft stock dipped due to a season-ending ACL injury suffered at Ohio State last fall, Simmons was in the midst of a breakout year-allowing zero sacks and just one pressure across six games, per Pro Football Focus.
Even Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce felt Simmons’ presence during minicamp, recalling a moment when the rookie was mimicking a defensive end on scout team: “I felt that man’s hands grab me, and I was like, ‘Alright! I got to come with it!'”
Now, the 6’5″, 310-pound Simmons enters a wide-open competition for Kansas City’s left tackle spot-one the team desperately needs to solidify after cycling through four different starters last season.
Simmons has a difficult job ahead of him
Simmons will have to beat out veteran Jaylon Moore, a former 49ers backup, but if the hype is real, Patrick Mahomes could have a dominant force locking down his blind side for years to come.
“He’s unbelievably strong,” Smith added. “I think he’s going to be a great asset.”
The legend approves. The locker room believes. And if Simmons stays healthy, the Chiefs might have quietly landed their next franchise cornerstone.
