Ohio State football may not have as many first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft as they’ve had in past seasons, but two standout players are expected to hear their names called in the first round.
One of those players is wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who has proven himself as a capable contributor and could be selected toward the end of the first round.
However, the other player, Josh Simmons, is a key member of the offensive line who could also go in the first round, despite a season-ending injury.
Simmons, who was Ohio State’s top offensive lineman early in the season, suffered a knee injury in the team’s first matchup against Oregon, sidelining him for the rest of the year.
This was a significant blow to the team, as Simmons had been performing at an elite level.
Nevertheless, his impressive performance during the first half of the season, combined with his rapid recovery, has kept his draft stock high.
Despite missing time, teams remain confident that Simmons will be ready to contribute at the next level, potentially as an immediate starter at tackle.
Even with his injury, Simmons is expected to be drafted in the mid-teens of the first round.
His remarkable development from an inconsistent player with raw physical traits to one of the top offensive tackles in the country has caught the attention of NFL teams.
His ability to recover quickly and his solid film from earlier in the season have made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the upcoming draft.
Ohio State’s 2024 team might not have the overwhelming talent that some of their previous national championship squads had, but they continue to produce top-tier NFL talent.
With Simmons set to be a first-round pick despite his injury, it’s clear that Ohio State’s reputation for developing future NFL stars remains intact.