Josh Simmons — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

It isn't clear how healthy Josh Simmons will be by the start of the season, but the Chiefs need all the help at tackle they can find. Considering he was viewed as one of the top tackles in the class before his injury, this would be an excellent value pick for the Chiefs.

Offensive tackle isn't the biggest need for Arizona, but the Cardinals can potentially get a huge boon pick here with Simmons. He is one of the more athletic OTs in the draft, but a patellar tendon injury may have him getting off to a slower start to his NFL career. Jonah Williams is likely going to start again at right tackle for the Cardinals, but Simmons gives them a long-term option to pair with Paris Johnson Jr..

Having shipped All-Pro left tackle Larmey Tunsil to the Washington Commanders earlier this month, the Texans need long-term help on the offensive line and Simmons gives them size (6-5, 310), athleticism and versatility, having played left and right tackle during his time at Ohio State. He is coming off of a season shortened by a torn ACL but is expected to quickly work his way into a starting role. — Mike Jones

I know the Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore in free agency, but I'm not so sure Simmons won't ultimately be the better option for them at left tackle. Regardless, building quality depth up front would seem like a wise move based on the issues they dealt with last season.

The Chiefs acted boldly in free agency to address their offensive line concerns, signing Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million deal. They could show similar aggression on Day 1 of the draft, jumping ahead of the Texans to land Simmons — the most physically gifted left tackle in this class — who could fall further than he should due to his recovery from knee surgery.

As usual, Philadelphia plans ahead in the trenches, with the uber-talented but currently injured Simmons to eventually take over for Lane Johnson.

Early in the process, some players might get glossed over due to a season-ending injury from the year prior. But as teams start to hear more about a certain player's health status, meet with them and see their medicals, you get a better idea of where their stock is. From what I've been hearing, the reports are good surrounding Simmons' knee injury. I think his stock is rising now.

Even after giving up 54 sacks in 2024 (tied for third most), Houston traded away its best offensive lineman in left tackle Laremy Tunsil. That's why this pick is easy for me. Simmons has smooth movement traits, and he allowed one sack over 19 starts since shifting to left tackle before the 2023 season.

The only reason I don't have him coming off the board earlier is his knee injury. He went down in October and missed the rest of the season, and he hasn't yet worked out. But once he's healthy, he could step into that LT void and try to turn around the pass protection in Houston.

Josh Simmons comes with a big injury red flag, but beggars can't be choosers. His first half of the season before tearing his Patellar tendon was as good as anyone else's in the class.