The Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday selected Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons with the final pick in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Simmons missed most of last season with a patella tendon tear in his left knee, but Reid said the Chiefs felt comfortable with his progress and he should be ready by training camp if not before.
“He would’ve been a top-10 or top-five pick,” Reid said. “And it’s a position we could use some good players at. He’s flexible. He can play any spot, but we felt like he was a true left tackle.”
Last season, the Chiefs tried to shore up the left tackle position by drafting Kingsley Suamataia in the second round, but he was soon benched, and the Chiefs ended the season with Joe Thuney playing left tackle. The Chiefs signed free agent Jaylon Moore this offseason, but with Simmons still on the board, they felt they had to take him.
Ironically, the Chiefs traded down a spot from No. 31 to No. 32 with the Eagles and acquired a fifth-round pick as well.
Reid said the Chiefs would be cautious with Simmons initially and wasn’t certain he’d be able to participate in the team’s rookie minicamp. But Simmons is looking forward to getting back on the field as soon as possible.
“There’s no time to take breaths,” Simmons said. “If anything, this is where you have to pour it on.”
