2025 NFL Scouting Report: Josh Simmons

Prospect Summary:

Simmons started out his collegiate career playing two seasons at San Diego State. In 2023, he had a strong debut season starting at left tackle for the Buckeyes. In 2024, Simmons was playing very well in Chip Kelly’s offense and was on his way to being a sure-fire first-round pick. However, in October he suffered a season-ending ACL tear against Oregon.

In pass protection, Simmons is consistent at keeping rushers off his quarterback. What sets Simmons apart is his twitch, burst, and explosiveness. Simmons fires out of his stance, and that gets him in a great position to get depth in his drop, taking away the edge from speed rushers. He also has the size and strength to be able to drop his weight, allowing him to hold his ground against bull rushers. While Simmons does not have ideal length, he makes up for it with his quick feet. Those feet allow him to quickly recover if he gets out of position. Simmons also has quick reaction skills and diagnosis to handle stunts and games. Simmons looks like a starting left tackle for the NFL who will be steady and reliable in pass protection.

In the ground game, Simmons is a solid blocker, but he is not a true bull. He does not blast defenders off the ball and drive them around the field. With his quickness and burst, Johnson latches onto defenders, fights with them, shoves them, and manipulates them away from the ball carrier. If Simmons can get stronger for the next level that would make him more well-rounded.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, Simmons looks likely to be selected late in the first round or early in the second round. The ACL injury robs of him of being taken in the top half of the first round, but he is reportedly going to be ready for training camp. In a survey of team sources, half thought Simmons would go in the first round, and the other half thought he would go early in the second round.