We proceed our 2025 NFL Draft preview of draft prospects that might curiosity the Dallas Cowboys. At this time we’re offensive sort out, Josh Simmons from Ohio State.
Josh Simmons
OTOhio State BuckeyesSenior3-star recruit6’5”310 lbs
Picture by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos
Historical past
Josh Simmons was born on December 26, 2002, in San Diego, California. Initially he attended Madison Excessive College earlier than transferring to Helix Excessive College in La Mesa, California. Acknowledged as a three-star recruit, Simmons dedicated to play school soccer at San Diego State College in 2021.
In 2022, Simmons performed proper sort out for San Diego State and began all 13 video games for the Aztecs. He performed a complete of 724 offensive snaps and allowed 21 whole pressures and 4 sacks, each led the workforce. He additionally registered 17 penalties which was second-most within the nation. After the season ended, Simmons entered the NCAA switch portal and joined Ohio State. His switch to Ohio State was partly as a consequence of his athletic potential and match for the Buckeyes’ offensive line wants.
Simmons shortly earned the beginning left sort out place for the Buckeyes and began all 13 video games. He performed a complete of 825 offensive snaps with 443 of these approaching passing performs. He allowed 15 pressures and just one sack however did lead the workforce with eight whole penalties.
In 2024, he continued because the beginning left sort out however suffered a season-ending knee harm which required surgical procedure in opposition to Oregon on October 12. His efficiency earlier than the harm was notable, with no sacks allowed within the season main as much as his harm. His athleticism and enchancment from yr to yr have been highlighted by teammates and coaches, incomes him Third-Crew All-Massive Ten honors for his 2024 season regardless of the harm.
2024 Statistics
306 Offensive Snaps158 Passing Snaps0 Sacks Allowed1 Strain Allowed1 Penalty
NFL Mix/Professional Day
TBC
Awards
Third-team All-Massive Ten (2024)
Scorecard
General- 88.1Speed- 80Acceleration- 84Agility- 81Strength- 90Pass Blocking- 84Run Blocking- 75Discipline- 77
THE GOOD
Simmons is athletically gifted for the place exhibiting glorious quickness, change of path, and stability.
He’s a fluid, free mover with superb play power.
He has expertise at each left and proper sort out.
Bodily imposing with a strong, pressing fashion.
He shortly establishes contact with sticky palms and energetic ft, permitting him to maintain blocks and transfer defenders off the road.
Displays clear, crisp setups in each flat and angled move units with good pad stage, energetic palms, and straightforward redirect expertise.
He has a robust base to anchor in opposition to bull rushes and reveals good spatial consciousness for move safety schemes.
Confirmed vital enchancment every season, demonstrating a excessive ceiling for growth.
He has expertise at each left and proper sort out.
THE BAD
Suffered a season-ending knee harm in 2024, which has raised questions on his well being going into the draft. His medical stories might be essential to observe.
Hand placement may be sloppy at occasions, resulting in stability points when he lunges or extends.
He may be overly aggressive, typically resulting in lack of leverage which then leads into penalties.
Whereas there are a lot of highlights of dominance, there’s inconsistency in his efficiency, significantly in opposition to extra fast-twitch edge rushers.
Can typically have sluggish footwork off the snap (though his 2024 take regarded massively improved on this regard).
THE FIT:
Earlier than his harm, Simmons was thought-about a slam dunk potential first-round decide with some evaluations projecting him as a high-first-round choice. His harm has launched some uncertainty, however his expertise and former performances counsel he might nonetheless be a excessive decide if medical checks come again constructive. He’s a high-upside offensive sort out prospect with the potential to grow to be a cornerstone participant on the NFL stage. His mixture of dimension, power, and athletic capability makes him intriguing. With the appropriate teaching, his technical flaws may be addressed, doubtlessly resulting in a pro-ready participant with impression starter capabilities.
He’s seen as a common scheme match at offensive sort out, able to thriving in numerous offensive ideas as a consequence of his dynamic athleticism, agility, and energy. Groups working zone-blocking schemes would possibly significantly worth his traits.
The Cowboys have had points with their offensive line, significantly at sort out positions. Simmons might present an instantaneous improve if he returns to full well being post-injury. His expertise at each sort out spots provides the Cowboys flexibility of their line setup given the uncertainty of the offensive line heading into subsequent season.
Simmons may very well be a superb match for the Cowboys, significantly if they will safe him at a worth that accounts for his harm threat. His athletic profile, mixed with the potential to be a dominant power on the offensive line, aligns effectively with the Cowboys’ wants. Nonetheless, Dallas would should be thorough with their medical evaluations and have a strategic plan for his integration. If the Cowboys have an opportunity to draft Simmons within the first spherical, they’d possible contemplate him in the event that they’re happy along with his medicals. His potential as a long-term starter might justify the danger.
COMPARISON
Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota Vikings
BTB GRADE
seventeenth
CONSENSUS RANKING
seventeenth(Consensus rating primarily based on the typical rating from 90 main scoring companies)