2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Josh Simmons, Ohio State

Josh Simmons, an offensive tackle from Ohio State, is one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 310 pounds, Simmons possesses an ideal frame for an NFL tackle with exceptional arm length that provides a significant advantage in both pass protection and run blocking

Background

Born on December 26, 2002, in San Diego, California, Simmons was a highly sought-after four-star recruit coming out of high school. He began his college career at San Diego State, where he started 13 games at right tackle in 2022. Simmons then transferred to Ohio State for the 2023 season, quickly establishing himself as a key player by starting all 13 games.

In 2024, Simmons continued his strong play, but his season was cut short due to a knee injury in his sixth start. Despite the abbreviated season, he earned Third-Team All-Big Ten honors for the National Championship-winning Buckeyes.

Physical Attributes and Athleticism

Simmons boasts impressive physical attributes and athleticism that make him a standout prospect:

• Ideal size at 6’5″ and 310 pounds

• Exceptional arm length for the tackle position

• Fluid movement and excellent initial quickness

• Athleticism to pull and lead block effectively

Strengths

1. Pass Protection: Simmons displays refined technique and natural athleticism in pass protection. In his final season at Ohio State, he allowed only a single pressure across six games and 158 snaps played.

2. Run Blocking: He is a physically imposing and powerful run blocker who closes space quickly on defenders. His quickness and leverage make him well-suited for zone blocking schemes.

3. Versatility: Simmons has experience playing both left and right tackle, having played over 1,100 snaps at left tackle for Ohio State and right tackle at San Diego State.

4. Technique: He demonstrates refined technique, particularly in pass protection, with smooth footwork and hand placement.

5. Football IQ: Simmons works well against stunts, showcasing his ability to read and react to defensive schemes.

6. Consistency: Since 2023, he has allowed only five total sacks (one) and quarterback hits (four)1.

7. Improvement: Scouts have noted significant growth in his performance from season to season, particularly in his transition from San Diego State to Ohio State.

Weaknesses

1. Injury Concern: Simmons is coming off a season-ending knee injury, which may raise concerns about his durability and recovery.

2. Limited 2024 Film: Most of his film from the 2024 season was against lesser competition in blowouts, which may not provide a complete picture of his abilities against top-tier talent.

3. Edge Containment: He can occasionally allow defenders to get the edge in pass protection.

4. Penalties: In 2022 and 2023, Simmons was often penalized, though he showed improvement in this area during his limited 2024 season.

NFL Projection

Simmons projects as a potential day-one starter at the NFL level, with the versatility to play either tackle position. His combination of size, athleticism, and technical proficiency makes him an attractive prospect for teams running various offensive schemes.

He is considered a universal scheme fit at the NFL level. His physical abilities and technique allow him to thrive in both traditional drop-back passing offenses and more dynamic, movement-based schemes. Simmons has the anchor and mirror skills to handle power rushers, as well as the agility to deal with speed rushers off the edge.

Several scouts have compared Simmons to Christian Darrisaw of the Minnesota Vikings, noting their similar combination of excellent athleticism, powerful run blocking, and refined pass protection skills.

NFL Draft Projection

Despite his injury, Simmons is widely projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His average draft projection across multiple mock drafts is 22.75. Popular landing spots for Simmons include:

• San Francisco 49ers (No. 11 overall)

• Cincinnati Bengals (No. 17 overall)

• Seattle Seahawks (No. 18 overall)

• Green Bay Packers (No. 23 overall)

• Los Angeles Rams (No. 26 overall)

• Kansas City Chiefs (No. 31 overall)5

Conclusion

Josh Simmons represents one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His blend of size, athleticism, and technical proficiency make him a potential cornerstone left tackle at the NFL level. While his recent knee injury raises some concerns, Simmons’ overall body of work and consistent improvement trajectory suggest he has the potential to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber player in the NFL.

Teams looking for a long-term solution at tackle will likely have Simmons high on their draft boards. His versatility, football IQ, and physical tools make him a low-risk, high-reward prospect who could solidify an NFL offensive line for years to come. As the draft approaches, Simmons’ medical evaluations will be crucial in determining his final draft position, but his on-field performance and potential make him a likely first-round selection