Jason Kelce sees some Trent Williams in Kansas City Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons
When Kelce, a six-time first-team All-Pro center, talks line play, his words carry the weight he used to move around in the trenches.
Advertisement
During the latest episode of the "New Heights" podcast, Kelce didn't hold back when discussing one of the league's newest left tackles, Kansas City Chiefs first-round pick Josh Simmons.
"I've watched a lot of these linemen coming out the last few years," Jason Kelce said to his co-host and brother Travis Kelce, as well as to their guest, Chiefs right guard Trey Smith.
"This kid, I mean he is the closest thing I've seen to like a Trent Williams. ... That next-level strength and athleticism."
Williams was the league's top left tackle not too long ago. The now-36-year-old and 11-time Pro Bowler made a run of three straight first-team All-Pro seasons with the San Francisco 49ers from 2021-23.
Advertisement
Before Simmons can even start his journey to that kind of prestige, the former San Diego State and Ohio State lineman will have to complete his recovery from last year's ACL tear that dropped him to the end of the first round of April's NFL Draft. Then he'll have to win a training camp position battle against Jaylon Moore, whom the Chiefs signed to a two-year deal this offseason. Moore spent his first four NFL seasons with the 49ers, mostly backing up Williams.
The Chiefs are looking for an answer at left tackle this season after going through four starters at the position in 2024. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Simmons could fit the bill.
"To me, watching the tape [from] college, it was absurd," Jason said of Simmons. "The athletic ability and size. Trav knows because I've been watching this dude, and I've been preaching."
Travis interjected.
"I've seen it," the Chiefs superstar tight end said on "New Heights," recalling a memory from Chiefs mandatory minicamp. "He was playing defensive end, just like a scout team defensive end. And he was just playing his gap. But he was being a pro. He was being locked in and being a pro, and I felt that man's hands grab me, and I was like, 'Alright! Alright!' I got to come with it, even when he's just giving the looks. I got to make sure I've got my feet planted, man.
Advertisement
Simmons was enjoying a breakout season at Ohio State last fall before going down with his season-ending knee injury on the road against Oregon on Oct. 12. He hadn't allowed a sack in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus, which also had him down for just one pressure conceded and one penalty committed in six games last season.
"I haven't seen him in action, but I just heard that he is so strong, like unbelievably strong," said Smith, who made the Pro Bowl at right guard last season.
"Obviously the talent is there, man. I've seen some of his film as well, and [he] obviously got a chance to win a natty last year. Shout out to him. But I think he is going to be a great asset to the team, and I'm looking forward to it."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Orioles at Guardians Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for July 21
It's Monday, July 21 and the Orioles (44-54) are in Cleveland to take on the Guardians (48-50). Tomoyuki Sugano is slated to take the mound for Baltimore against Tanner Bibee for Cleveland. Cleveland and Baltimore are set for a four-game series that could push the Guardians above .500 for the first time since June 26. Baltimore won the three-game series earlier in the season, 2-1, outscoring Cleveland 18-9 in Baltimore. The Guardians are coming off two out of three wins in home series versus the Athletics, while the Orioles dropped two of three at the Rays, but won the finale to avoid the sweep, 5-3. Cleveland is 8-2 in the last 10 games and has the easiest strength of schedule for the second-half of the season, so this is a good time to keep the momentum flowing. Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We've got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts. Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long. Game details & how to watch Orioles at Guardians Date: Monday, July 21, 2025 Time: 6:40PM EST Site: Progressive Field City: Cleveland, OH Network/Streaming: MASN2, CLEG Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out. Odds for the Orioles at the Guardians The latest odds as of Monday: Moneyline: Orioles (+117), Guardians (-138) Spread: Guardians -1.5 Total: 8.0 runs Probable starting pitchers for Orioles at Guardians Pitching matchup for July 21, 2025: Tomoyuki Sugano vs. Tanner Bibee Orioles: Tomoyuki Sugano, (7-5, 4.44 ERA)Last outing: 6.0 Innings Pitched, 3 Earned Runs Allowed, 4 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 2 Strikeouts Guardians: Tanner Bibee, (5-9, 4.29 ERA)Last outing: 5.2 Innings Pitched, 2 Earned Runs Allowed, 6 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 5 Strikeouts Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type! Expert picks & predictions for tonight's game between the Orioles and the Guardians Rotoworld Best Bet Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) likes the Guardians to reach 80 wins: "In the first 24 games of the 67 one second-half of the schedule are the Athletics, Orioles, Royals, Rockies, Twins, Mets, White Sox, and Marlins -- beautiful! Cleveland took the series against the A's, 2-1 — so far so good. The Guardians have the easiest strength of schedule remaining in the MLB and need a 34-33 record over the second half to secure 80-plus wins, which I believe is more than possible." Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts. Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager. Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Monday's game between the Orioles and the Guardians: Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Cleveland Guardians on the Moneyline. Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Baltimore Orioles at +1.5. Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0. Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC. Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Orioles at Guardians Baltimore is 11-7 when Sugano pitches this season Cleveland is 9-10 when Bibee pitches this season The Guardians have won 6 of their last 7 matchups against American League teams The Guardians' last 4 home games versus the Orioles have gone over the Total The Orioles have covered in 4 of their last 5 road games but they are profiting 1.51 units If you're looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports! Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: Jay Croucher (@croucherJD) Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
USA Today
30 minutes ago
- USA Today
AI makes game-by-game predictions for the Philadelphia Eagles' 2025 season
With AI being popular these days, we've now sought some additional guidance on how this season will turn out for Philadelphia. We asked Grok to make some predictions about how this season will go for Artificial Intelligence (AI) is all the rage, and its uses encompass everything from music to predicting election outcomes and outlining the NFL schedule. The 2025 season can't start soon enough for the Philadelphia Eagles, who have one of the best quarterbacks, running backs, receiving groups, and tight end duos in the NFL. They will face the gauntlet of juggernauts in the NFC North and the AFC West and division winners in the NFC West, AFC East, and NFC South. With AI being popular these days, we've now sought some additional guidance on how this season will turn out for Philadelphia. We asked Grok to make some predictions about how this season will go for the Eagles. Here is what Grok came up with for a game-by-game prediction for John Harbaugh's team. Week 1: Thursday, September 4: Home vs. Dallas Cowboys at 8:20 PM (NBC^) The Eagles have holes to fill on defense, but Dallas will debut a new head coach, and Dak Prescott will play his first game in nearly a year. It's a close call, but the emotion of the ring ceremony gets the champs over the hump. Eagles Wire prediction: Win (1-0) What Grok predicted: The Eagles open at home, raising their Super Bowl banner against a Cowboys team they dominated twice last season (75-13 combined score). Even with Dallas adding WR George Pickens, Philly's offensive line and home-field energy should overwhelm a Cowboys squad breaking in a new head coach. Dak Prescott's return from injury won't be Win (1-0) Week 2: Sunday, September 14: Away at Kansas City Chiefs at 4:25 PM (FOX) Philadelphia was in Kansas City's shoes two years ago, entered Arrowhead, and secured a midseason win. Both teams will play an emotional contest in Week 1, but the Chiefs get the nod because they are playing at home. Eagles Wire prediction: Loss (1-1) What Grok predicted: Week 2: @ Kansas City Chiefs (Sun, Sep 14, 4:25 PM ET, FOX)A Super Bowl LIX rematch in Arrowhead. The Eagles crushed Kansas City 40-22 last February, but the Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, are prideful and playing at home. Philly's passing game has been shaky in big moments, and a potential letdown after the opener could tilt this one. Week 3: Sunday, September 21: Home vs. Los Angeles Rams at 1 PM (FOX) One week after suffering a road loss to the Chiefs, Jalen Hurts lights up the Rams at home, and Philadelphia moves to 2-1 on the season. Eagles Wire prediction: Win (2-1) What Grok Predicts: Week 3: vs. Los Angeles Rams (Sun, Sep 21, 1:00 PM ET, FOX)The Rams nearly upset the Eagles in last year's snowy divisional round but couldn't stop Saquon Barkley (460 yards in two games). Philly's run game and top-ranked defense should handle a Rams team that hasn't fixed its run defense issues. At home, the Eagles Win (2-1) Week 4: Sunday, September 28: Away at Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 1 PM (FOX) The Buccaneers have had the Eagles' number at home over the past three years, and there's nothing to suggest that'll change in an early Sunday affair. Eagles Wire prediction: Loss (2-2) What Grok Predicts: Week 4: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sun, Sep 28, 1:00 PM ET, FOX)Tampa's been a tough road trip for Philly, with a 33-16 loss last season. Todd Bowles has Jalen Hurts' number (1-4 record). The early-season heat in Tampa and the Bucs' defensive scheme make this a trap game, especially after a tough stretch. Prediction: Loss (2-2) Week 5: Sunday, October 5: Home vs. Denver Broncos at 1 PM+ (CBS) Week 5 was a bye in 2024, but it's the week that Philadelphia inserted Cooper DeJean into the lineup and found their mojo. The same happens for Jihaad Campbell, who assumes the throne after weeks sitting behind Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Eagles Wire prediction: Win (3-2) What Grok Predicts: Week 5: vs. Denver Broncos (Sun, Oct 5, 1:00 PM ET, CBS)Denver's defense is solid, but Bo Nix struggles on the road (85.8 QB rating in 2024). Vic Fangio's familiarity with his former team helps Philly's defense dominate at the Linc. The Eagles' run game wears down the Broncos. Prediction: Win (3-2 Week 6: Thursday, October 9: Away at New York Giants at 8:15 PM (Prime Video^) Saquon Barkley returns to MetLife Stadium for part two, but the results are the same as the Eagles get a big win on the road. Eagles Wire prediction: Win (4-2) What Grok Predicts: Week 6: @ New York Giants (Thu, Oct 9, 8:15 PM ET, Prime Video)The Giants are improved but still a bottom-tier team. Philly has owned this matchup recently, and Saquon Barkley's return to MetLife Stadium fuels a motivated performance. The Giants' QB uncertainty (Russell Wilson or a rookie?) won't match Philly's firepower. Prediction: Win (4-2) Week 7: Sunday, October 19: Away at Minnesota Vikings at 1 PM+ (FOX) The Vikings are an intriguing NFC North pick, and J.J. McCarthy performs well at home, but the Eagles confuse the second-year signal-caller late for a much-needed win with playoff ramifications. Eagles Wire prediction: Win (5-2) What Grok Predicts: Week 7: @ Minnesota Vikings (Sun, Oct 19, 1:00 PM ET, FOX)The Vikings went 14-3 last year but start rookie J.J. McCarthy in 2025. Philly's defense, led by Vic Fangio, should exploit McCarthy's inexperience. However, Minnesota's talent and home field make it close. The Eagles pull it out late. Prediction: Win (5-2) Week 8: Sunday, October 26: Home vs. New York Giants at 1 PM+ (FOX) The Giants are much improved, but Philadelphia is the beast of the East for a reason. Eagles Wire prediction: Win (6-2) What Grok Predicts: Week 8: vs. New York Giants (Sun, Oct 26, 1:00 PM ET, FOX)Back-to-back Giants games favor the Eagles, who are far superior. Philly's defense shuts down New York's inconsistent offense, and Hurts exploits their secondary. A comfortable home win. Prediction: Win (6-2) Week 10: Monday, November 10: Away at Green Bay Packers at 8:15 PM (ESPN/ABC^) The NFL season is barrels of emotions, and a team used to being the hunters uses the fuel from the Tush Push getting banned to batter the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Eagles Wire prediction: Win (7-2) What Grok Predicts: Week 10: @ Green Bay Packers (Sun, Nov 9, 1:00 PM ET, FOX)Post-bye, the Eagles face a Packers team they beat twice last season, including a 22-10 wild-card win. Green Bay's home field isn't as daunting as it once was, but Jordan Love and a strong offense keep it competitive. Philly's run game and defense edge them out. Prediction: Win (7-2 Week 11: Sunday, November 16: Home vs. Detroit Lions at 8:20 PM+ (NBC^) NFL seasons are emotional swings, and Philadelphia will have key moments where things just aren't clicking. This Sunday night against a mouthy Lions team isn't one of those nights. Philadelphia digs deep and sends a message to the NFL in a shootout win over Detroit. Eagles Wire prediction: Win (8-2) What Grok Predicts: Week 11: vs. Detroit Lions (Sun, Nov 16, 8:15 PM ET, NBC)The Lions collapsed in last year's playoffs and lost both coordinators, but they're still dangerous. At home, Philly's physicality and top-ranked defense (No. 1 in 2024) overpower Detroit in a statement win. Prediction: Win (8-2) Week 12: Sunday, November 23: Away at Dallas Cowboys at 4:25 PM+ (FOX) Emotions are complex to maintain, and the Eagles lose a nail-biter on the road at Dallas, which is a game the Cowboys badly need. Eagles Wire prediction: Loss (8-3) What Grok Predicts: Week 12: @ Dallas Cowboys (Sun, Nov 23, 1:00 PM ET, FOX)Dallas, fighting for playoff relevance, plays desperate at home. The Eagles swept them last year, but this game is tighter. Fatigue from a tough schedule and Dallas' motivation lead to an upset. Prediction: Loss (8-3) Week 13: Friday, November 28: Home vs. Chicago Bears at 3 PM (Prime Video) Black Friday is a holiday for some, but a refocused Eagles team aims to enter the stretch run with a win over a surging Bears team. Eagles Wire prediction: Win (9-3) What Grok Predicts: Week 13: vs. Chicago Bears (Fri, Nov 28, 3:00 PM ET, Prime Video)A Black Friday game against a surging Bears team. Philly, refocused after a loss, leans on their run game and home crowd to dominate a Chicago squad that's still building. Prediction: Win (9-3) Week 14: Monday, December 8: Away at Los Angeles Chargers at 8:15 PM+ (ESPN/ABC^) Those emotions rear their ugly heads again, but thanks to a few days of extra rest, Philadelphia heads to SoFi Stadium, where they always perform well and harass Justin Herbert in a massive win over the AFC West-leading Chargers. Eagles Wire prediction: Win (10-3) What Grok Predicts: Week 14: @ Los Angeles Chargers (Sun, Dec 7, 4:25 PM ET, CBS)The Chargers play a run-heavy style like Philly, but the Eagles have more talent. Barkley thrives at SoFi Stadium, and Vic Fangio's defense harasses Justin Herbert. Prediction: Win (10-3) Week 15: Sunday, December 14: Home vs. Las Vegas Raiders at 1 PM+ (FOX) Pete Carroll has performed well in Philadelphia with Geno Smith and the AFC West Raiders' steal a win over the Eagles behind Ashton Jeanty. Eagles Wire prediction: Loss (10-4) What Grok Predicts: Week 15: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (Sun, Dec 14, 1:00 PM ET, FOX)Chip Kelly returns to Philly as Raiders OC, but his offense struggles against Fangio's defense. The Eagles' physicality overwhelms a Raiders team led by Geno Smith and rookie Ashton Jeanty. Prediction: Win (11-3) Week 16: Saturday, December 20: Away at Washington Commanders at either 4:30 PM or 8 PM+ (FOX) Philadelphia needs to refocus and send a resounding message to the Commanders in D.C. behind Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown. Eagles Wire prediction: Win (11-4) What Grok Predicts: Week 16: @ Washington Commanders (Sun, Dec 21, TBD, FOX)An NFC Championship rematch. Jayden Daniels is a rising star, but Philly's top-ranked pass defense and Jalen Carter's interior pressure exploit Washington's weakened O-line (Sam Cosmi injured). A close road win. Prediction: Win (12-3) Week 17: Sunday, December 28: Away at Buffalo Bills at 4:25 PM+ (FOX) Pressure burst pipes, and Philadelphia is starting to apply pressure to the league with a resounding win over Buffalo in a Super Bowl preview. Eagles Wire prediction: Win (12-4) What Grok Predicts: Week 17: @ Buffalo Bills (Sun, Dec 28, 8:20 PM ET, NBC)A potential Super Bowl preview. Josh Allen and the Bills are tough at home, and Philly's passing game struggles against Buffalo's secondary. The Eagles' grueling schedule catches up, leading to a late-season loss. Prediction: Loss (12-4) Week 18: Date TBD: Home vs. Washington Commanders (Time and Network TBD) A season marked by parity and upsets sees the Eagles clinch the NFC East and home-field advantage behind Tanner McKee in a win over Washington. Eagles Wire prediction: Win (13-4) What Grok Predicts: Week 18: vs. Washington Commanders (TBD)The second Commanders game could decide the NFC East. Philly, at home, leans on Barkley and their elite defense to outmuscle Washington, securing the division. Prediction: Win (13-4) Grok final analysis: Final Record: 13-4The Eagles finish 13-4, winning the NFC East but falling short of their 2024 mark due to a tougher schedule and defensive losses. They're battle-tested for the playoffs, likely earning a top-two seed. Saquon Barkley's dominance (2,005 rushing yards in 2024) and Vic Fangio's defensive schemes keep them elite, but repeating as Super Bowl champs will be tough.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Is Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla a top ten coach in the NBA?
Is Boston Celtics head coach a top ten coach in the NBA? With legends like San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich retiring from that role and a number of highly regarded head coaches like Tom Thibodeau (last with the New York Knicks) and Taylor Jenkins (formerly with the Memphis Grizzlies) now looking for another such post in the NBA, there are fewer coaches on the level or at least in the same stratosphere as Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra and Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. So where would we put Mazzulla among his peers at the helm of NBA teams for the coming 2025-26 regular season? With a title to his name, he very clearly does not belong in the lower third of the league's coaches, and one would struggle to make a case for him lower than the midpoint of the league's coaches at No. 15 overall. But is he at least four slots higher in most estimations? The folks behind the "98.5 The Sports Hub" YouTube channel put together a clip from their "Felger and Mazz" show to talk it over. Check it out below! This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Is Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla a top ten coach in the NBA?
