The Kansas City Chiefs are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with a cloud of mystery surrounding them.
Nobody seems to know which positions they will address with their two picks in the first round. They could go a variety of different directions, such as edge rusher, cornerback, wide receiver, or offensive tackle. The latter has been the most controversial among Chiefs fans, as a large portion of them believe offensive tackle isn’t as high of a priority as other needs.
While there is some uncertainty at the right tackle spot, most assume that second year player Josh Simmons has left tackle locked down. However, all the smoke surrounding Kansas City being interested in spending a high pick on an offensive tackle, as well as recent comments by NFL insider Peter Schrager, have led to concern regarding Simmons.
Peter Schrager Predicts Kansas City Chiefs Use 1st-Round Pick on Offensive Tackle Due to Uncertainty With Josh Simmons
Schrager hosted several analysts on his podcast “The Schrager Hour” for a mock draft on Monday. Draft expert Field Yates had the Chiefs selecting cornerback Mansoor Delane at No. 9 overall, who has often been mocked to them over the past several months. Things got interesting when Schrager made the pick for Kansas City at 29th overall, sending the team offensive tackle Caleb Lomu.
“It’s not going to wow the folks at home and Chiefs fans might not love this, but with the 29th overall pick, the Kansas City Chiefs select Caleb Lomu, offensive tackle out of Utah. Just more offensive line help. We know that this is a position that they’ve invested in a bunch and they have hit with a bunch of them in (center) Creed Humphrey, and of course with (guard) Trey Smith. But I’m not sure on Josh Simmons, their pick from a year ago, and I’m not sure they have the depth. So, Caleb Lomu, who is not as famous or as well regarded as Spencer Feno, his teammate, goes 29th here to the Kansas City Chiefs.”
The 2026 NFL DRAFT EXPERT MOCK DRAFT.
32 picks. 4 experts. 8 teams randomly assigned apiece.
– Ran Carthon, ex-Titans GM – Dane Brugler, The Athletic – Field Yates, ESPN
Can Chiefs Rely on Josh Simmons Moving Forward?
GettyChiefs LT Josh Simmons
Schrager saying he’s “not sure on Josh Simmons” is a bit vague, and he unfortunately did not expand on it. He may be talking about Simmons’ injury history, which includes a torn patellar tendon during his senior year at Ohio State, and a fractured wrist that cost him the final five games of his rookie season with the Chiefs in 2025.
Alternatively, Schrager could be alluding to Simmons missing four games from Weeks 6-9 for a private family matter. The Chiefs and Simmons have been tight-lipped about the situation, and there hasn’t been any indication that there is more to the issue that could impact his status moving forward.
It seems unlikely that Schrager was referring to Simmons’ talent. In the eight games that he played in last season, Simmons played very well and flashed all the makings of a franchise left tackle. Regardless of what Schrager meant, it is important to note that he has been closely plugged in with the Chiefs’ organization over the past several years. All we can do is wait and see how the draft unfolds, which is just over one week away.
Speculation Around Chiefs OT Josh Simmons Becoming Concerning Ahead of Draft