Tag: Josh Simmons

49ers land injured OT who may be perfect fit for OL in mock draft

A short-term RT and long-term LT would be a nice 1st-round pick for the 49ers.

It would be a fairly significant surprise if the San Francisco 49ers don’t select either an offensive lineman or defensive lineman with the No. 11 pick in the 2025 draft.

While a defensive lineman may be more likely given their past team-building philosophy, they land a potentially perfect fit on the offensive line in the latest seven-round mock draft from Pro Football Network.

PFN has the 49ers skipping the defensive line in favor of injured Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons. Simmons, despite suffering a torn patellar tendon in early December, looks to be exactly what San Francisco would be looking for in an offensive tackle.

He’s listed with NFL size at 6-5, 310 pounds, and he has really high-quality movement skills that should allow him to operate in a 49ers offense that requires athleticism from its offensive line.

What makes Simmons perfect for the 49ers in particular is that he has experience at both tackle spots.

At Ohio State he started 13 games on the right side during his sophomore season, before flipping to the left side as a junior where he started 19 games over his final two college seasons before his knee injury. That’s almost the exact route the 49ers would want him to take.

He could slide in at right tackle to provide an upgrade over RT Colton McKivitz, then jump over to the left tackle spot when LT Trent Williams decides to retire. Simmons could also flip over to the left side as a rookie if Williams misses time, which he has in each of his five seasons with San Francisco.

It’s hard to envision the 49ers using the No. 11 pick on a player who’ll eventually play guard in the NFL. That wouldn’t be the case for Simmons who has a real chance to be the best OT in this year’s class.

The other picks for the 49ers from PFN

Round 2, Pick 43: LB Jihaad Campbelll, Alabama
Round 3, Pick 75: DE Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Round 3, Pick 99: DT JJ Pegues, Ole Miss
Round 4, Pick 111: G Earnest Greene, Georgia
Round 4, Pick 137: CB Upton Stout, Western Kentucky
Round 4, Pick 138: TE Luke Lachey, Iowa
Round 6, Pick 188: WR Nick Nash, San Jose State
Round 7, Pick 227: OT Jalen Travis, Iowa State
Round 7, Pick 231: K Caden Davis, Ole Miss
Round 7, Pick 254: S Craig Woodson, Cal

It’s unclear why they gave the 49ers an 11th selection. General manager John Lynch said the team is expecting 10. It appears this mock includes an additional seventh-round pick for San Francisco.

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Packers get left tackle prospect coming off injury in Edholm’s first mock draft

The Packers got Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons in Eric Edholm’s first mock draft of the 2025 cycle.

The first mock draft of the 2025 cycle from Eric Edholm of NFL Media gave the Green Bay Packers a left tackle prospect for the offensive line. At No. 23 overall in the first round, Edholm sent Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons to the Packers.

Taking Simmons would mean back-to-back offensive line picks in the first round after the Packers took Arizona’s Jordan Morgan at No. 25 overall in the 2024 draft.

“I don’t think Green Bay would hesitate to go offensive line in Round 1 for a second straight year, even if the cornerback need feels glaring. Simmons would be a good fit for what the Packers seek in blockers,” Edholm wrote.

Simmons, a San Diego State transfer, started at left tackle during the last two seasons in Columbus. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in October and needed surgery, but agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN that he expects Simmons will be cleared in time for the start of training camp this summer.

According to PFF, Simmons allowed only 11 total pressures over the last two seasons, including zero sacks and just one hurry across 158 pass-blocking snaps before his injury in 2024. Simmons also has experience as a starter at right tackle from his time at San Diego State.

How would Simmons fit in Green Bay?

Morgan, a left tackle at Arizona, moved inside to guard as a rookie, and he could be a starting candidate at guard if the Packers lose center Josh Myers and have to shuffle the offensive line.

Rasheed Walker, the starter at left tackle during each of the last two seasons, is entering a contract year in 2025. The Packers believe he can be a long-term solution at the position but have said, on multiple occasions, that he must become more consistent on a down to down basis.

In 2024, Walker allowed only three sacks and four quarterback hits across 603 pass-blocking snaps, and his pass-blocking grade of 80.1 at Pro Football Focus ranked inside the top 10 among left tackles in the NFL.

Zach Tom looks entrenched as the starter at right tackle, where he dominated in 2024, but it’s possible he could move to another position if the Packers needed. He has five-position versatility.

Taking Simmons could give the Packers a valuable insurance policy and long-term option at a premium position if there are internal concerns about Walker, especially considering he’d need a new contract to remain in Green Bay past 2025.

But it’d be hard to fit Simmons into the offensive line structure if Walker is believed to be the best option at left tackle moving forward in Green Bay.

Here’s Daniel Jeremiah’s breakdown of Simmons, who he currently ranks as his No. 30 overall prospect in the class:

Simmons is a gifted left tackle prospect. He was having an outstanding 2024 campaign before suffering a season-ending knee injury in October. He has excellent size, movement skills and balance. In the passing game, he has a smooth/fluid set. He can easily redirect and plays with a wide/firm base. He uses a sharp punch before steering and controlling defenders. He will overset on occasion, but he’s nimble enough to redirect and recover. In the run game, he plays under control, stays on his feet and maintains leverage/position. He can adjust in space on combos. The main question with Simmons is health. What he put on tape this fall should generate plenty of optimism about his chances of becoming a quality starting left tackle in the NFL.

And here’s the quick analysis on Simmons from Packers Wire draft analyst Brennen Rupp:

An athletic, well-put-together offensive tackle who has experience playing left and right tackle. He was well on his way to solidifying himself as a Top 12 pick before suffering a season-ending injury. Simmons is quick out of his stance to shield defenders. He has the easy athleticism to climb to the second level and kick linebackers out of the club. It’d be hard to pass up his talent if he were to fall to 23.

The Packers haven’t taken back-to-back offensive linemen in the first round since drafting Bryan Bulaga and Derek Sherrod in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Jayden Daniels gets some help in the new Daniel Jeremiah mock draft

Jayden Daniels gets some much-needed help in Daniel Jeremiah’s first mock draft.

The offensive line was one of Washington’s most significant concerns heading into the offseason last year. General manager Adam Peters agreed, signing two new starters on the first day of free agency.

Still, fans wondered, “Who would play left tackle?”

Peters addressed left tackle in the 2024 NFL draft, choosing TCU offensive lineman Brandon Coleman in the third round. Coleman rotated with veteran Cornelius Lucas early in the season before taking over and starting 12 games.

Washington’s offensive line surprised everyone in 2024. However, throughout the second half of the season, outside of quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders struggled to run the ball. And in the NFC championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Coleman struggled with Philly’s speed off the edge.

So, while the offensive line took a big step forward in 2024, there is more work to do. In his first mock draft for 2025, Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network has Washington selecting Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the No. 29 overall pick.

The Commanders’ offensive line has played well above expectations, but I think they need to upgrade the talent to protect Jayden Daniels going forward.

Simmons, 22, spent his first two seasons at San Diego State before transferring to Ohio State ahead of the 2023 season. He started every game for the Aztecs as a redshirt freshman in 2022 at right tackle. In 2023, Simmons started 13 games at left tackle and every game in 2024 until an injury prematurely ended his season.

Simmons could allow the Commanders to move Coleman to right tackle — Andrew Wylie is a free agent — or kick him inside. Many teams thought Coleman’s NFL future was guard.

Regardless of their plans for Coleman, the Commanders still need offensive line help and Simmons would be a great place to start.

Texans address perhaps top need in Mel Kiper Jr.’s first mock draft

The Houston Texans bulk up their offensive line with the selection of a former Buckeye in Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft.

If the Houston Texans plan on taking that next step over the divisional-round woes, they’ll need to fix the offensive line.

Five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil is locked in at left tackle after another strong season protecting C.J. Stroud in pass-blocking. Outside of him, the other four spots are up for grabs.

While Houston can’t address every need with a veteran addition, it can pivot toward the draft to secure a cheap long-term option with upside. That’s been the plan in most mock drafts, including ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., who has the Texans selecting Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the No. 25 overall pick.

Here’s another player who missed most of the 2024 season. Simmons was out after six games with a left knee injury. Had he stayed healthy, I think we’d be talking about him as a OT1 candidate in this class. He’s consistent in pass protection and drives back defenders in the run game. Houston’s pass protection was anything but consistent this season, allowing 54 sacks
(tied for third-most). Quarterback C.J. Stroud was constantly on the run. The Texans have left tackle Laremy Tunsil under contract for two more seasons, but Simmons could fit in at right tackle or even a guard spot for now before potentially taking over on the left side down the road.

Selecting Simmons comes with some concerns. While viewed as potentially the highest upside pass-protector, Simmons hasn’t played since October and didn’t help the Buckeyes hoist their first national title since 2014.

When looking at Kiper’s draft, four other offensive linemen were off the board inside the top 20, including fan favorite Tyler Booker from Alabama. Simmons could also be viewed as more of a long-term play rather than a Day 1 starter.

Tunsil’s contract is moveable after the 2025 season, but he also could be elected to finish his career out in Houston on a short-term extension. Rookie Blake Fisher was a hit-and-miss at times while playing right tackle, so a shift inside might better become the eventual play.

Simmons fits the bill of shoring up the offensive line for the long run. He might not have blocked for Stroud in Columbus, but the San Diego native will have a chance to lead on the Buckeyes’ tradition of winning on the right side in Houston for the long haul.

49ers use 1st-round pick on injured OT in 2025 mock draft

The 6-foot-5 offensive tackle suffered a knee injury during the Ohio State Buckeyes’ loss to the Oregon Ducks in October.

Following the divisional round of the postseason, the college football national championship game is slated for Monday night between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The national championship will have some of the top prospects in the upcoming NFL draft on display.

Before the national title game on Monday, Jeff Risdon of USA TODAY’s NFL Draft Wire released an updated mock draft with a prediction for the San Francisco 49ers’ selection in the first round.

After Texas star offensive tackle Kelvin Banks went off the board at No. 10 to the Chicago Bears, Draft Wire’s Jeff Risdon inked another offensive tackle to the 49ers at No. 11. Risdon listed Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons. According to Risdon, the 22-year-old tackle might have the “highest ceilings” out of the offensive tackles in the 2025 draft class.

Via Draft Wire:

Simmons is currently injured, which simultaneously hinders his draft appeal but also makes him fit in with the 49ers, who have major injury and depth issues along both lines. He might have the highest ceiling of any offensive tackle in this class.

Read the full mock draft via USA TODAY’s SMG Draft Wire here.

After transferring from San Diego State, Simmons started 19 games for the Buckeyes over two seasons. Simmons suffered a season-ending knee injury during the Buckeys’ loss to the Oregon Ducks in October. Prior to his injury, Simmons didn’t allow a sack through six games at left tackle.

Via @PFF_College on Twitter:

The first round of the NFL draft is set for April 24 in Green Bay. The 49ers are slated for the No. 11 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 draft.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Ohio State OL Josh Simmons declares for the draft

Ohio State OL Josh Simmons declares for the draft despite being sidelined with a knee injury

Add another name to the 2025 NFL Draft big board, if he wasn’t on there already. Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons formally declared for the draft on Wednesday.

Simmons has been out for several weeks since tearing a knee ligament in the Buckeyes’ loss to Oregon. Prior to the injury, the big left tackle had been playing some great football, showing both great athleticism and quickly developing technical proficiency with his shoulders and feet.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus, who announced that Simmons would enter the draft, indicates that the 6-foot-5, 310-pounder is ahead of schedule in his rehab and should have no problem being ready for the start of training camp. After a so-so first year in Columbus in 2023 after transferring from San Diego State, Simmons looked like a potential first-round talent in 2024 prior to his unfortunate injury.

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Video: Early names to know for the Lions potential first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft

Video breakdown of some early names to know for the Lions potential first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft

One of the byproducts of the Detroit Lions being a Super Bowl contender is that the NFL Draft has quickly become an in-season afterthought for most fans. The potential prospects and draft options aren’t nearly as pertinent when there’s a realistic chance for Detroit to be picking at No. 32 instead of No. 2.

Brad Holmes and his scouting staff aren’t forgetting about the 2025 NFL Draft. They’ve been hard at work evaluating prospects all over the country.

In conjunction with the Detroit Lions Podcast, here’s an early list of players who seem to fit what the Lions are looking for in a prospect who could wind up being the team’s first pick in the upcoming draft. It’s far from a complete list, but these are players that Detroit fans should at least be familiar with as the college football regular season rapidly approaches its end.

By popular demand, we’re holding off on any mock drafts until after the college regular season ends.

Ohio State football star receives massive bump in ‘College Football 25’

Ohio State football star receives massive bump in College Football 25 #GoBucks

Ohio State football will be kicking off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Noon on Saturday and will hope to show off some defensive improvement after a disappointing loss to the Oregon Ducks. On the virtual gridiron, however, we don’t need to wait until Saturday to see improvements as the latest update for EA Sports’ “College Football 25” gave a large ratings boost to one Buckeye superstar.

Jeremiah Smith has been setting the college world on fire and EA Sports’ has apparently noticed as he is now rated at 90 overall, which is an increase of six total points. Few would argue against this bump because the freshman phenom receiver has already tallied 32 receptions for 553 yards and seven touchdowns.

Offensive tackle, Josh Simmons, also received a ratings boost of five to make his new overall 90. Edge rusher, Jack Sawyer  and interior offensive lineman, Donovan Jackson, received moderate bumps increasing their ratings by one. Sawyer is now a 90 overall and Jackson sits at 92.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Josh Keatley on X.

Starting Ohio State football lineman “probably” done for the season

Ohio State football’s starting left tackle, Josh Simmons, is likely done for the season following a knee injury sustained against Oregon.

The Ohio State Buckeyes may be down a starting offensive lineman for the remainder of the season following a disappointing loss to the Oregon Ducks on Saturday.

Ohio State sustained its first loss of the season 32-31 on the road in a rowdy Autzen Stadium. The Buckeyes starter that went down is Josh Simmons, who it appeared had his left buckle while blocking against defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei.

While Simmons’ long-term prospectus is still unknown, head coach Ryan Day went on the “Buckeye Roundtable” on 97.1 The Fan, per The Columbus Dispatch’s Joey Kaufman, and said that Simmons was “probably” done for the season.

Obviously, if there is a chance that he returns, saying it is more likely he won’t than will isn’t ideal.

Simmons, who stands 6-foot-5, is from San Diego, California. He is in his second season with the program and started all 13 games last season. Simmons was a four-star prospect coming out of high school.

That said, Zan Michalski will be the next man up and should start at left tackle Saturday against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Injuries sideline 2 more 2025 NFL Draft top-50 prospects for the rest of the season

Injuries sideline 2 more 2025 NFL Draft top-50 prospects for the rest of the season, including a leading contender for the top OT

It’s been a tough college football season for several 2025 NFL Draft prospects already, with a few well-regarded prospects suffering injuries that will sideline them until at least the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, if not longer.

Unfortunately, two more prospects who were prominent in the latest top-100 update of the big board have joined the injury list. Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons and Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison suffered season-ending injuries over the weekend.

Simmons had played his way into consideration as the top tackle prospect in the draft class, but a left leg injury puts an end to that upward momentum. The former San Diego State transfer was notable for his natural knee bend and flexibility as a left tackle. Hopefully, the injury doesn’t impact those qualities in Simmons.

Morrison was a regular fixture in first-round mock draft projections all season. The junior suffered a hip injury, and his availability to participate in the postseason draft events is uncertain.

Simmons and Morrison join East Carolina CB Shavon Revel, LSU LB Harold Perkins and some others as 2025 prospects who have played their last college football game due to injuries this year.