Latest news with #Josh Simmons
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
1 Thing Stopping Chiefs' 'Explosive Element' Returning
1 Thing Stopping Chiefs' 'Explosive Element' Returning originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Kansas City Chiefs will begin the 2025 season with more questions than answers surrounding their roster, with the offensive line at the center of the discussion. Advertisement With Jaylon Moore, Josh Simmons, and Kingsley Suamataia all set to try their hand on the left side of the line, Patrick Mahomes' protection is going to feel a whole lot different than it did last is a good thing. There has been talk all throughout OTAs and minicamp that the Chiefs want to get their deep ball back in the offense, but that can only happen if Mahomes has time to throw. So, for CBS Sports, in naming the most important non-quarterback for the Chiefs, the publication has landed on Moore and Simmons. "The Chiefs offensive line fell apart last year," CBS Sports writes. "They signed Moore to provide insurance at left tackle and had Simmons fall into their lap in the draft. They badly need one of them to play well enough that Patrick Mahomes isn't constantly looking over his shoulder, and can finally tap into the explosive element of the offense the team has been missing over the last two years." Advertisement Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Given how easily accessible Mahomes was to the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive front in the Super Bowl, naturally, every other team will look at that blueprint and try to replicate it in 2025. Hence why the need for either Moore or Simmons to solidify that left tackle spot is crucial, so too Suamataia who is being shifted inside to left guard. Training camp will be our first look at the new protection, and while we won't be jumping to any conclusions, it will give a good indication of what we could expect in the regular season. Many are doubting the Chiefs this season, with the offensive line issues being the big reason why, and the only way to ease those fears is for the unit to play well with real bullets flying. Advertisement If the Chiefs are to avenge the Super Bowl loss, the offensive line is going to have to pull its weight. If it does, Kansas City will be in business, but if it can't, then who knows what the 2025 season will look like for the defending AFC champs. Related: Chiefs' 'Margin For Error' In AFC West Gone In 2025 Related: Patrick Mahomes Turns Heads With Reaction to Chiefs' Latest Signing This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chiefs summer scouting: Clemson Tigers offensive line
This offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs took steps to trim costs and position their offensive line for a makeover. Adding Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons to a weak offensive tackle room raised the unit's floor, but the Chiefs should still consider pursuing more depth through the 2026 NFL draft. Clemson Tigers left tackle Tristan Leigh, right tackle Blake Miller and guard Collin Sadler form the most formidable trio on the program's offensive line. Walker Parks, who enters 2025 with more than 2,800 career offensive snaps, might also get some looks as a late Day 3 draft pick, but most analysts view him as a future undrafted free agent. Miller began starting for the Tigers as a freshman in 2022. With three seasons and nearly 2,900 snaps under his belt, he's one of the most experienced offensive tackles in the 2026 class. Miller is undersized, lacking traditional mass for a right tackle, but his footspeed, patience and range mitigate some of those concerns. Advertisement Miller needs to play with better posture to avoid overextending and losing his balance. He reportedly added weight this offseason, which could quiet some concerns about the power of his anchor. Miller currently projects as a top 100 selection. Leigh offers more traditional size than Miller. This additional power manifests in a stouter anchor and arresting grip strength to lock down outside linebackers. Leigh moves well in space, cutting off wide-alignment rushers at the top of the arc in the passing game or pulling for gap runs. Unfortunately, Leigh's chest often extends over his knees, causing balance concerns as he attempts to mirror pass rushers. This issue also impacts Leigh's run blocking. He finds himself on the ground too often and puts some ugly losses on tape. This may be a permanent issue for Leigh since he didn't correct it in either of his two seasons as a starter. He projects as a fifth round pick. Sadler suffered a season-ending calf injury early in 2024 that limited him to fewer than 100 offensive snaps at left guard. The subsequent surgery sidetracked his development, but Sadler's potential remains one of the most attractive draws along Clemson's offensive line. Advertisement Sadler needs to add some mass to his lower body to improve his anchor in pass protection and the strength of his leg drive in the run game. He also must correct his strike timing and hand placement to protect his chest. These two developments aren't difficult with proper coaching and a good strength and conditioning program. Sadler's block framing, burst off the line of scrimmage, nimble footwork, speed and impressive 6'6", 310 lb. build make him an intriguing development project. This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: 2026 NFL draft scouting report: Clemson Tigers offensive line
