Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons is making headlines as he defies expectations with his rapid recovery from injury just weeks before the 2025 NFL Draft. Once considered a question mark due to his health status, Simmons has stunned coaches, scouts, and analysts with his progress, putting himself back in strong contention as one of the top offensive linemen in the draft class.
Simmons, who sustained a lower-body injury late in the 2024 college football season, was initially projected to miss significant time during the pre-draft process. Concerns over his availability for the NFL Combine and Ohio State’s Pro Day led some analysts to speculate about a potential slide in his draft stock. However, recent reports indicate that he is far ahead of schedule in his recovery, demonstrating impressive strength and mobility in private workouts.
Sources close to Ohio State’s football program have revealed that Simmons has been working tirelessly with team trainers and medical staff to accelerate his rehabilitation. His dedication to recovery has been evident, with some insiders stating that he has already resumed high-intensity training, something that seemed unlikely just a few months ago.
“This kid is built differently,” one NFL scout told reporters. “The way he has attacked his rehab process and bounced back so quickly is nothing short of remarkable. Teams that may have been hesitant before are definitely paying close attention now.”
Simmons played a crucial role in Ohio State’s offensive line last season, anchoring the unit with his combination of size, strength, and agility. His performance helped the Buckeyes maintain one of the most formidable offensive lines in college football, protecting their quarterback and paving the way for a dominant running game.
Now, with the NFL Draft rapidly approaching, Simmons’ unexpected progress could significantly alter his draft projections. Originally pegged as a potential mid-round selection due to injury concerns, his resurgence may propel him back into early-round discussions. Multiple teams in need of offensive line reinforcements, including those picking late in the first or early in the second round, are reportedly reassessing their evaluations of Simmons.
As the draft nears, Simmons’ continued recovery and performance in pre-draft workouts will be closely monitored. If he can maintain this momentum and prove his durability, he could emerge as one of the biggest risers in the 2025 draft class. With his resilience and determination on full display, Josh Simmons is proving that setbacks are merely setups for comebacks.
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