KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The 2025 NFL draft kicked off in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Thursday. The Kansas City Chiefs are scheduled to make eight of the draft’s 257 picks, beginning with the No. 31 selection of the first round where they took offensive tackle Josh Simmons.
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Kansas City Chiefs 2025 draft picks
Round 1, No. 31: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
My take: Simmons could be the long-term left tackle the Chiefs have been searching for for the last several seasons. The torn patella that prematurely ended his 2024 season at Ohio State is a concern, but the Chiefs did extensive research on his injury and concluded it won’t be a problem going forward. Coach Andy Reid said Simmons would be ready to participate when training camp begins in July.
Will he start as a rookie? The Chiefs signed veteran Jaylon Moore in free agency, setting up a potential position battle with Simmons for the starting spot at left tackle. But the Chiefs didn’t spend a first-round pick on Simmons with the expectation he would be a backup his entire rookie season. He’ll be the starter at some point in 2025 if not immediately.
What we’re hearing about Simmons: “When he’s healthy with the tape he had early on last year before the injury, it puts him up there (as) a future starter and difference maker at left tackle.” — Chiefs general manager Brett Veach
What’s next: The Chiefs can cover some ground with one pick in the second round and two in the third. They could use some help on the defensive line and particularly at tackle, where Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Nnadi left through free agency. Kansas City would also like to add at cornerback, even after signing Kristian Fulton in free agency.
Remaining picks
- Round 2: No. 63
- Round 3: Nos. 66 (from Tennessee), 95
- Round 4: No. 133
- Round 7: Nos. 226 (from Carolina), 251, 257
