Ohio State’s Josh Simmons is one of the most intriguing offensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft class, and with visits now underway, two teams with legitimate postseason aspirations have brought him in for private meetings — the Indianapolis Colts and the Kansas City Chiefs. Both AFC franchises have different offensive identities, different levels of immediate need along the line, and different stakes entering the draft, but they’ve each circled Simmons as a prospect worth serious consideration.
For Simmons, the visits mark the continuation of a winding journey that began on the West Coast and saw him grow into one of the Big Ten’s most consistent left tackles. Originally from San Diego, Simmons began his college career at San Diego State before transferring to Ohio State, where he quickly carved out a starting role. His development with the Buckeyes, particularly in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, caught the eyes of scouts across the league. While he’s not universally projected as a first-round pick, Simmons has steadily climbed boards due to his size, athleticism, and refined footwork. At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, he brings the kind of frame that offensive line coaches covet, and his technique has evolved dramatically under the tutelage of Ohio State’s coaching staff.
The visit with Indianapolis is notable given the Colts’ current configuration. Second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson is a dynamic talent but spent most of his rookie season sidelined due to injury. Ensuring his long-term health is now a primary concern for general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen, and that starts with bolstering the offensive line. While the Colts boast a Pro Bowl-caliber left guard in Quenton Nelson and a reliable center in Ryan Kelly, their tackle play has left much to be desired. Josh Simmons could provide depth right away and eventually challenge for a starting role. Indianapolis holds the No. 15 overall pick, but many project Simmons as a late-first or early-second round selection. If he falls into the top of the second round, the Colts might find themselves in position to grab a future starter without needing to reach.
Simmons’ stop in Kansas City has different implications. The Chiefs are coming off back-to-back Super Bowl championships, but their offensive line has undergone significant transition in recent years. Orlando Brown Jr. left for Cincinnati in 2023, and while Kansas City brought in Donovan Smith on a short-term deal to fill the gap, they’ve yet to settle on a long-term solution at left tackle. Patrick Mahomes’ ability to create off-script has masked many of the line’s deficiencies, but Kansas City has not been shy about investing in the trenches. With Simmons, they’d be betting on upside — the potential for him to grow into an anchor on Mahomes’ blind side, even if he doesn’t start from Day 1.
The visits themselves are often more about character and football IQ than raw athleticism. Teams have already seen Simmons at the NFL Combine, where he put together a respectable performance. He ran a 5.09-second 40-yard dash and posted a 31-inch vertical, both solid numbers for his position. More importantly, his positional drills showed off his ability to move laterally, reset his feet, and handle speed rushers off the edge. But what’s harder to evaluate on tape or in shorts is how well a player understands protections, how he communicates with teammates, and how quickly he can absorb a new playbook. For both the Colts and Chiefs, Simmons’ visits were opportunities to get a deeper sense of who he is as a competitor and as a learner.
NFL evaluators have been intrigued by Simmons’ path. The jump from the Mountain West to the Big Ten is no small feat, and he not only made that leap but did so seamlessly. He started every game at left tackle for the Buckeyes in 2024 and consistently held his own against elite pass rushers. His performances against Michigan and Penn State, in particular, stood out. Against the Wolverines, he faced a rotation of edge rushers that included likely top-50 draft picks and still held up in both the run and pass game. Ohio State’s offensive line was among the best in the conference last season, and Simmons was a big reason why.
Still, he’s not without flaws. Scouts note that while his footwork is generally clean, he can occasionally overset in pass protection, leaving himself vulnerable to inside moves. Additionally, while his hand placement has improved, he sometimes lunges against speed rushers rather than letting the play come to him. These are coachable issues, and most believe they’ll be corrected quickly in an NFL system. His toughness, motor, and commitment to technique have all earned high marks in scouting reports, making him a favorite among offensive line coaches in particular.
Another factor that could influence his draft stock is his versatility. Simmons has primarily played left tackle, but some evaluators believe he could also slide to right tackle or even kick inside to guard if needed. That positional flexibility is highly valuable in the NFL, where injuries often force linemen to move around. For a team like Kansas City, which loves to cross-train its linemen, Simmons would be a perfect developmental fit. And for the Colts, who may want to plug a player in immediately depending on how the board falls, having someone who can adapt to multiple roles only increases his value.
It’s also worth noting that Simmons brings a mature mindset to the table. Coaches at both San Diego State and Ohio State have spoken at length about his leadership and willingness to put in the extra work. During his time in Columbus, he became known for studying film late into the evening, often staying at the facility long after practice ended. That kind of dedication resonates with NFL teams. In interviews, Simmons has consistently emphasized the importance of preparation and details — traits that suggest he’ll transition well to the professional level.
What ultimately happens on draft day will depend on how the board breaks. There are several offensive tackles ranked ahead of Simmons, including Notre Dame’s Joe Alt, Penn State’s Olu Fashanu, and Georgia’s Amarius Mims. But in a deep class, teams picking late in the first or early in the second round could see Simmons as a potential steal. If the Colts don’t address offensive tackle with their first-round selection, they might be in prime position to snag Simmons at No. 46 overall in the second round. The Chiefs, meanwhile, sit at No. 32 with the final pick in the first round, and there’s growing speculation that they could target offensive line help there — especially if a player like Simmons is available.
Of course, pre-draft visits don’t guarantee a team will select a player. Sometimes, they’re used for due diligence. Other times, teams want to gather intelligence on a player’s character in case he slips to later rounds. But in Simmons’ case, it’s clear both the Colts and Chiefs see something special. Whether it’s his athletic upside, his positional flexibility, or his relentless work ethic, Simmons is drawing interest from the kinds of franchises that understand how critical offensive line play is to championship success.
For Simmons, the visits represent more than just interviews — they’re validation. From San Diego to Columbus to potentially Indianapolis or Kansas City, he’s traveled a long road to get here. And while his draft slot remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Josh Simmons is going to be an NFL player. The only question is whether he’ll be protecting Anthony Richardson or Patrick Mahomes when he takes that first professional snap.