Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons is a popular projection for the San Francisco 49ers in mock drafts, provided he falls to the 11th overall pick. NFL Media content editor Dan Parr, who also oversees the draft strategy for NFL.com, has general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan selecting the former Buckeye to bolster their offensive line.
The primary concern with Simmons is his readiness to contribute immediately after suffering a knee injury in October. However, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, downplayed those worries in December.
"Josh will be fully cleared for practice by the start of NFL training camp, and he will be a high-first-round pick," said Rosenhaus.
Simmons may be viewed more as Trent Williams' eventual successor at left tackle rather than someone who must start immediately.
"With Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz under contract for 2025, the 49ers are an ideal landing spot for Simmons," Parr explained. "He can ease his way back from the knee injury that ended his 2024 season in October and learn from Williams -- one of the greats at the position -- before eventually taking the baton."
Parr projects Simmons as the third offensive lineman selected in the draft. He has LSU's Will Campbell going to the New England Patriots at No. 4 and Missouri's Armand Membou landing with the Chicago Bears at No. 10.
Despite playing only 306 snaps in 2024, Simmons (6-5, 310) earned an impressive 82.0 pass-blocking grade, allowing just one pressure and no sacks.
The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 24, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.