Inside Travis Kelce’s Bold Take on the Chiefs’ Rookie Haul—‘Big Ol’ Tackle for Pat!’

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce isn’t just a playmaker on the field—he’s also become one of the team’s most passionate voices off it. Following the 2025 NFL Draft, Kelce gave fans a front-row seat to his thoughts on the team’s new additions during his latest New Heights podcast episode with his brother Jason. And according to Kelce, there’s a lot to be excited about.

“I love what we did in the draft,” Kelce declared. “We lost some guys on the defensive line, filled those roles. Got a big ol’ tackle to protect Pat and move some bodies in the running game.” That “big ol’ tackle” refers to Josh Simmons, the Chiefs’ top pick and a powerful presence on the offensive line. With Simmons in the trenches, Kelce is confident that quarterback Patrick Mahomes will have the protection he needs to work his magic.

But Kelce didn’t stop there. He praised the team’s overall strategy in the draft, applauding how Kansas City added depth in multiple areas. “Just add pieces left and right in the secondary and on the offensive weapon side,” he said. For a team known for reloading quickly, the mix of defense and skill positions gives Kelce—and fans—hope for another championship run.

Perhaps most intriguing was Kelce’s comment about general manager Brett Veach’s next moves. “Who knows what else Veach is cooking up with all the undrafted free agents?” Kelce teased, hinting that the Chiefs might still uncover unexpected gems at rookie minicamp. Given Veach’s history of turning unheralded players into stars, Kelce’s excitement might be more than just optimism—it could be a warning to the rest of the league.

Travis Kelce’s endorsement of the rookie class adds credibility to what some analysts have called a quietly brilliant draft. With his leadership, Mahomes’ brilliance, and a new batch of hungry young talent, Kansas City looks ready to reload for yet another deep postseason run. If the “big ol’ tackle” and company live up to Kelce’s hype, the Chiefs could be even more dangerous in 2025.