As the 2025 NFL Draft is less than three weeks away, sights turn to what the Houston Texans will do when on the clock at pick No. 25.
Some believe that adding a guard to replace former first-round dud Kenyon Green would be wise, especially with Laken Tomlinson and Ed Ingram serving as backups.
Others are sold on adding a wide receiver to complete the trio paired alongside Nico Collins and Christian Kirk, though it would have to be the right target since Houston shouldn’t reach for Day 2 player with its first pick.
Plans might have changed since the infamous Laremy Tunsil trade from Houston to the Washington Commanders last month. Yes, the Texans added Cam Robinson in free agency, but he’s a stop-gap option for 2025. If the Texans are wise, they’ll add a long-term option with one of their early picks to reset the market and timeline to pay for talent on the blindside as C.J. Stroud prepares to get paid.
Fox Sports’ Rob Rang recently mentioned one player who fits every team’s top need entering the twilight stage of the NFL draft period. For the Texans, Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons could fill one of two roles while anchoring down the perimeter of the offensive line in Houston for at least five years.
“An offensive line that struggled to protect CJ Stroud a year ago was further depleted with the trade of gifted left tackle Laremy Tunsil, but with no less than five veterans added to the unit over the offseason, it might no longer be viewed as a critical need by GM Nick Caserio,” Rang wrote. “Still, any team with a talented young QB should consider Simmons, the most gifted blocker of this class. The San Diego State transfer looked well on his way to top-10 consideration prior to tearing his patellar tendon and missing the final 10 games of the year. The 6-5, 315-pounder is an easy, balanced mover with experience at both tackle positions, projecting as a long-time NFL starter.”
Simmons started over 40 games during his four-year 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.
Even in a small sample size, Simmons proved he was a physically imposing, loose, powerful run blocker with upside in pass protection. 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.
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: Fox Sports names Ohio State OT Josh Simmons ‘best fit’ for Texans in the first round
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
