2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Josh Simmons (OT – Ohio State)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Josh Simmons

Josh Simmons (OT – Ohio State)

6-foot-5 | 310 Pounds

Background

A four-star recruit who originally attended his hometown San Diego State University, Josh Simmons started at right tackle there in 2022 (four sacks allowed) before transferring to Ohio State and stepping into the team’s starting left tackle role (one sack.) Reprised that role in 2024. Was having a solid season before tearing his ACL in his sixth appearance.

Positives

A solidly built lineman with over two years of starting experience between both left and right tackle, playing in a more balanced offensive scheme with the Aztecs before transferring to the Buckeyes and playing in their more zone-heavy offense. Development trajectory is very good, having shown significant improvement each season. Plays with a sufficiently wide base and good flexibility. Light on his feet, especially for a player with a thicker build.

Simmons’ range in the run/screen game is very impressive. Able to pull to the right side of the line and secure blocks at the second level. Works hard to hunt down second-level defenders in space. Looks fast and smooth. Plays with solid arm extension to keep defenders out of his frame. Has all of the physical tools to protect the edge in pass protection, with very good lateral quickness and solid bend in his pass sets. Shows impressive recovery speed when dealing with stunts and delayed blitzes. Cut penalties from 17 (2022) to eight (2023) to one (2024).

Negatives

Has made significant strides in this area, but penalties have been a major issue in the past; was flagged 17 times as a freshman and eight times as a sophomore. Anticipation and recognition skills are still developing, causing him to play reactively and rely on his athletic gifts to win reps.

Simmons’ hand placement can be sloppy at times, as he tries to overcome a lack of discipline in his positioning. Can struggle to stay connected through the rep; more of a repeated shover than someone who locks onto the chest straps and locks down an opponent. His approach is more energetic than nasty overall. Torn ACL this past season will require further medical investigation.

Summary

One of the most impressive athletes at the offensive line position in this year’s class, Simmons has been playing left tackle since transferring to the Buckeyes and has the traits to stick there at the next level.

As it currently stands, Simmons looks more like a high-upside developmental prospect, given the work he still needs to do to improve his discipline, recognition skills and technique. Should have early-round appeal to zone-based teams given his speed, quickness, range, flexibility and work ethic.

Projection: Round 1/Round 2

Check out all of our 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports