Perfect Bears 1st-Round Pick Officially Declares for NFL Draft
Over the past decade, the Chicago Bears have consistently sent their quarterbacks up to fail with below-average offensive lines. This season, it has been no different as rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has been sacked 49 times, and there are still five games to go.
General manager Ryan Poles, a former offensive linemen, knows that he must build a line to protect Williams this upcoming offseason. Fortunately, the first of many offensive linemen, a former offensive lineman declared for the the 2025 draft.
According to Adam Schefter, Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons declared for the draft on Wednesday. Simmons is certainly a player the Bears need to do their due diligence on.
Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons has declared for the NFL draft. Simmons had season-ending knee surgery after the Oregon game, but his new agent Drew Rosenhaus said surgery went well and he’s already ahead of schedule with his rehab. “Josh will be fully cleared for… pic.twitter.com/XQfqxolo4K
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 4, 2024
Bears News: Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons has declared for the 2025 draft
Currently, Simmons is recovering from a season-ending knee injury, which he suffered against the Oregon Ducks. Before that, though, Simmons was putting together a great senior season where he hadn't allowed any sacks.
Simmons transferred to Ohio State before his junior season last year. In his time with the Buckeyes, he started 18 games, 13 at right tackle and five at left tackle. Before arriving in Columbus, Simmons started 13 games at right tackle for San Diego State. This versatility is only one of Simmons's strengths.
According to Bleacher Report's scouting department, Simmons excels in both run and pass blocking. In the run game, Simmons is good in space and is powerful off the line. In pass protection, he has a crisp setup, active hands that redirect pass rushers and a good anchor.
I was starting to get a little disappointed with this OT class, but Josh Simmons’ film Vs Iowa may have just changed that. pic.twitter.com/X85D9Qwpts
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) November 24, 2024
Although the Bears' major need on the offensive line is on the interior, Simmons would still make this unit better. Even though Simmons might be a more natural right tackle, he would need to transition to left tackle if the Bears drafted him.
Currently, Darnell Wright, who the Bears selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, is at right tackle. Simmons would be replacing Braxton Jones, who has been serviceable.
However, Jones's biggest issues are a weak anchor and consistently getting beat by the bull rush. From Bleacher Report's scouting report, it seems that Simmons might be better than Jones in those areas.
If that truly is the case, it will be interesting to see how long Simmons lasts on the draft board.
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