2025 NFL mock draft: Texans select Ohio State OT Josh Smmons
The Houston Texans might land an Ohio State player with their first-round pick in next month's draft, but it might not be Emeka Egbuka.
Before NFL free agency, Egbuka, who helped the Buckeyes secure their first national title victory in over a decade, was the most popular pick for the Texans at No. 25 in NFL mock drafts, but after Houston traded five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders, plans changed.
Houston still needs help at wide receiver, but it needs a long-term plan at left tackle if it plans on keeping C.J. Stroud upright and out of harms way for the long haul. Barring the addition of starting-caliber blindside blocker on a multi-year deal, left tackle will probably be a popular landing spot for Round 1 running back prospects in mock drafts going forward.
In his latest NFL mock draft for USA TODAY, Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz has Houston selecting Ohio State's Josh Simmons. That feels like a realistic pick, and it will likely be a popular prediction in future mocks
#OhioState OT Josh Simmons. 6’5, 311.
— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) February 5, 2025
Excellent fluidity. Natural athlete. Great punch timing + hand placement. Plus in the 2nd level/screen game. ++ Stunt recognition.
Top-25 player imo. pic.twitter.com/TQXe8NHchD
Simmons started over 40 games during his college career at San Diego State and Ohio State. A right tackle by trade, he started the first five games for the Buckeyes on the left side in 2024 before a leg injury sidelined him for the remainder of the 2024 season.
When active, Simmons proved he was a physically imposing, loose and powerful run blocker. He showed dramatic improvements as a pass protector, showing off his ability to make first meaningful contact with sticky hands while pushing pass rushers away from the backfield.
Josh Simmons has one of the highest ceilings in the 2025 NFL Draft🚀 pic.twitter.com/x9PNHbgjJi
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 13, 2025
While coming off a season-ending injury, Simmons could be the top offensive lineman on the board. He should become the new fan favorite to head down to Houston if the Texans stay at No. 25.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2025 NFL mock draft: Texans select Ohio State OT Josh Smmons
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