A Promising Prospect with a Cautionary Tale
Josh Simmons, the Ohio State offensive tackle, has emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His journey to the top of draft boards is both inspiring and cautionary. Simmons, who stands at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, has been praised for his athletic prowess and significant improvement throughout his college career. However, his draft stock is tempered by a significant injury concern: a torn patellar tendon in his left knee, sustained during a game against Oregon in October 2023. Despite the setback, Simmons is making good progress in his rehabilitation and is expected to be ready for pro day by mid-April 2024.
Navigating Recovery and Proving Potential
Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, performed the surgery to repair Simmons’ patellar tendon. The recovery process from such an injury can be challenging, often leading to complications with the quadriceps muscle. Simmons has been relentless in his rehabilitation, pushing through the pain and setbacks. "It’s not easy," he admitted, "so you’re going to go in and be angry at every rep in rehab. It’s going to feel sore some days, but you have to push through that and push through the eccentrics." His determination and work ethic have been evident, and he remains confident in his ability to return to form.
Team Interest and Draft Position
The San Francisco 49ers, who own the No. 11 overall pick in the draft, have shown significant interest in Simmons. The 49ers’ General Manager, John Lynch, had a formal meeting with the prospect at the NFL Scouting Combine. Simmons connected with Lynch, noting their shared roots from Torrey Pines. "It was a good interview. We were chopping it up like that a little bit," Simmons said. The 49ers’ current depth chart includes Trent Williams at left tackle and Colton McKivitz at right tackle, but an opening at left guard could make Simmons an appealing option. Some teams have suggested the possibility of Simmons playing guard for a season or two before transitioning to tackle, a role he is open to.
Potential Fit with the 49ers
Simmons’ style of play aligns well with the 49ers’ system. He is known for his smooth athleticism and attention to detail, which could make him a valuable asset to the offensive line. Simmons highlighted his advanced understanding of the game, stating, "I like to think I’m very ahead in terms of repertoire of pass sets, the way I think about the game, how I diagnose fronts. Obviously, you get all that in your head and you knock that out before you step up to the ball, you can play a lot faster." His ability to process and execute plays quickly could be a significant advantage in the 49ers’ playbook.
Weighing the Risks and Rewards
Despite his potential, Simmons’ draft position remains uncertain. Teams will closely evaluate his medical reports and the long-term prognosis of his knee. If he receives a clean bill of health, he could be the first offensive lineman taken in the draft. However, the uncertainty surrounding his recovery could cause him to slip, potentially landing him in the hands of a team that is more willing to take a chance on his upside. The 49ers, with their patience and developmental approach, could be a perfect fit for Simmons. His determination and work ethic, combined with the 49ers’ coaching staff, could result in a fruitful partnership.
Moving Forward with Resilience
For Josh Simmons, the draft is just the beginning of his journey. He has faced adversity and come out stronger, and he is determined to prove his worth at the next level. "You do everything right and make a big improvement from ’23 to ’24," he reflected, "then something like that happens and you definitely give the reality that anything can happen so take advantage of everything in front of you." As he prepares for the next chapter of his football career, Simmons remains focused on his recovery and his goals. The 2025 NFL Draft may present challenges, but with his resilience and talent, he is poised to make a significant impact in the league.
