Had it not been for a serious injury cutting his 2024 campaign short, Josh Simmons could have potentially contended for the top of the O-line class in the 2025 NFL Draft. Did he show enough to be considered a high first-round pick, or should the NFL be wary of the Ohio State Buckeyes star
Josh Simmons’ Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’5”
- Weight: 317 pounds
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- School: Ohio State
- Current Year: Redshirt Junior
Simmons’ Scouting Report
Coming out of Helix High School in La Mesa, Calif., Simmons was rated as a four-star recruit per 247Sports in the 2021 class. He was ranked as the 26th best interior offensive line recruit and the 35th overall prospect in the state of California.
Simmons held offers from major programs like Georgia, Michigan, and Oregon but chose to stay close to home at San Diego State. After redshirting his first season with the Aztecs, he started all 13 games at right tackle at SDSU.
Following a stellar redshirt freshman season, Simmons entered the transfer portal and headed to Ohio State. In 2023, he started all 13 games at left tackle for the Buckeyes and was recognized by CSN as an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. Per PFF, during that stretch, he allowed no sacks, four QB hits, and eight QB hurries.
Simmons had a hot start to the 2024 season, starting six games at left tackle and only allowing 1 QB hurry and no sacks in that stretch. His season was cut short against Oregon, however, after he suffered a torn patellar tendon.
Strengths
- Ideal length and elite athleticism.
- Maintains a sturdy and wide base in pass protection.
- Mirrors defenders with light and quick feet.
- Redirects very fluidly and easily and keeps up with faster pass rushers thanks to his flexibility.
- Flashes a powerful upper body by delivering heavy-handed punches.
- His very powerful back helps him keep his chest vertical when facing power rushes.
- Great, consistent leg drive in the run game with high effort through the whistle.
- Mobility makes getting to the second level and moving in space very easy.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent hand placement as a pass and run blocker.
- Can be overly aggressive and lunge into defenders, leaving him out of position.
- Needs to become more consistent with angles in the run game, especially when getting to the second level.
Current Draft Project and Summary
If it wasn’t for a season-ending injury, Simmons could have been more widely regarded as the best offensive line prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. In the six games he started, Simmons put out the best and most consistent tape in the class, which is supported by the singular quarterback pressure he allowed.
While the injury opens the door for other prospects to be picked before him, Simmons still should be a first-round pick and could be a top-20 selection in April. His physical profile and athleticism are ideal for becoming a franchise’s cornerstone left tackle.
GET DRAFTING: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
Simmons does a tremendous job of mirroring pass rushers, redirecting fluidly to keep them in front of him. He also flashes dominant power to stymie forward progression and knock rushers off-kilter with disorienting punches.
In a class with limited offensive line options, Simmons will be a commodity for teams needing to boost their presence in the trenches. His overall tools not only make him a prospect who can start immediately, but he can also eventually develop into a high-level starter.