‘It’s the best resource any rookie can have’ – Chiefs OT Josh Simmons on what he’s been coached up on during training camp
Josh Simmons discusses working with coaches Andy Heck and Juan Castillo.
Offensive tackle Josh Simmons has been the talk of Kansas City Chiefs training camp.
The 2025 No. 31 overall draft pick has taken all of reps with the first-team offense since the first day of practice. Fans and analysts alike have been impressed with video clips of Simmons putting in work during camp.
Simmons spoke to the media following Day 9 of Chiefs training camp, and discussed the value of learning from offensive line specialists Andy Heck and Juan Castillo.
“They put a plethora of different pass sets and hand movements into my toolbox,” Simmons said. “It’s the best resource any rookie can have. Having that in your back pocket, asking after a pass rush, ‘what did I do wrong here? How can I fix it?’ And then going to next rep and then making those corrections, it’s amazing.”
Heck has served as K.C.’s offensive line coach since 2013. The Chiefs brought in Castillo via the Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship to help out during camp. Castillo is currently an offensive analyst for the Michigan Wolverines in the college ranks, but has plenty of pro experience.
From 1995-2012 Castillo served as an offensive assistant, tight ends coach, offensive line coach, and defensive coordinator under Andy Reid with the Philadelphia Eagles. He has also spent time as an offensive line coach with the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, and UCLA Bruins.
Learning under coaches with that amount of experience will pay off in a big way for Simmons. Not only are they teaching him good fundamentals and techniques, but Simmons said they’re also helping him learn about opposing defenses.
“Right now, really understanding defenses,” Simmons said. “That way I can play a lot faster. If I can see a front and anticipate that they may do a stunt or a blitz, then I can easily help Kingsley (guard Kingsley Suamataia) communicate.”
Kansas City Chiefs News
‘That usually means you’re a pretty good football player’ – Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo encouraged with rookie defender’s development
Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo is encouraged with DE Ashton Gillotte’s development.
