Josh Simmons, an Ohio State OT, was met by the 49ers at the NFL Combine.

The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most critical events in the lead-up to the NFL Draft. Every year, hundreds of college players converge in Indianapolis, eager to showcase their skills in front of NFL coaches, general managers, and scouts. The stakes are incredibly high, as the Combine provides the best opportunity to leave a lasting impression that can significantly boost a player’s draft stock. For Josh Simmons, the former Ohio State offensive tackle, this year’s Combine was especially pivotal. After years of developing his skills at one of the most prestigious programs in college football, Simmons was now on the brink of taking the next step toward a professional career. The NFL Combine offered him the opportunity to demonstrate why he could be a first-round selection and, crucially, why he should be a potential building block for a team.

As one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class, Simmons’ performance at the Combine was closely scrutinized by scouts and evaluators. However, it was the meeting with one particular NFL team—the San Francisco 49ers—that turned heads and added further intrigue to his draft profile. The 49ers have been known for their strong offensive line play in recent years, and they also place a significant premium on building a dominant trench presence. With their focus on a balanced offensive attack and a solid foundation in the trenches, the 49ers’ interest in Simmons is particularly noteworthy.

In this piece, we take a deeper look at Simmons’ experience at the NFL Combine, his interactions with the 49ers, and how this meeting could be a turning point in his journey to the NFL.

Josh Simmons: A Rising Star at Ohio State

Before delving into his Combine experience, it’s important to establish just who Josh Simmons is as a player. Simmons, a native of Carlsbad, California, arrived at Ohio State as one of the top-rated offensive line recruits in the country. With a prototypical frame standing at 6’6” and weighing approximately 315 pounds, Simmons has the physical tools to be an elite offensive tackle at the next level. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism has been the foundation for his development as one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.

At Ohio State, Simmons was immediately tasked with playing in one of the most elite college football programs in the country, and his ability to handle the intense competition was clear. Throughout his time with the Buckeyes, Simmons was part of one of the most dominant offensive lines in college football. The Buckeyes consistently produced strong, efficient offenses, and Simmons played a significant role in protecting quarterbacks and paving the way for running backs.

He earned starting roles early in his career and displayed impressive consistency, which helped the Buckeyes maintain one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. Whether pass blocking for CJ Stroud or clearing lanes for Travion Henderson and Miyan Williams, Simmons demonstrated the versatility and polish that NFL scouts covet in an offensive lineman.

However, Simmons’ journey wasn’t without challenges. He battled through injuries and some developmental issues early on, but the physical talent was always apparent. By his final season at Ohio State, Simmons had emerged as one of the most sought-after offensive line prospects in the 2024 class. With his blend of strength, size, and technique, he had positioned himself as a likely first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The next step in that journey was making a statement at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The NFL Scouting Combine: A High-Stakes Showcase

The NFL Scouting Combine serves as a stage for college players to showcase their athletic abilities, mental acumen, and character in front of NFL decision-makers. For offensive linemen like Simmons, the Combine is an opportunity to show off everything from strength, footwork, and agility to their understanding of the game and mental toughness. Throughout the four-day event, NFL scouts and coaches get a first-hand look at players’ physical skills through drills, interviews, and psychological testing. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to measure how players handle pressure and how they perform under intense scrutiny.

For Simmons, the Combine was a critical juncture. NFL teams are always looking for offensive linemen who can step in and make an immediate impact. A strong performance at the Combine could solidify his status as one of the top tackles in the 2024 draft class, while a lackluster showing could raise concerns about his ability to compete at the next level. Simmons had to perform well in his on-field drills and interviews to solidify his place at the top of the draft.

At the Combine, Simmons checked off nearly all the boxes. His size was an obvious asset, but it was his movement that impressed scouts. His footwork during the drills was crisp, showing an ability to shift quickly while maintaining his balance—a critical trait for protecting the quarterback and defending against edge rushers. His agility testing was on par with some of the more athletic offensive tackles in the draft, which is a key attribute in today’s NFL, where speed and finesse can often outweigh brute strength. Simmons also exhibited impressive strength in the bench press and other strength-based drills.

While his physical performance was certainly noteworthy, the meeting with the San Francisco 49ers became a focal point for Simmons’ Combine experience.

The 49ers: A Fit for Simmons’ Skill Set

The San Francisco 49ers have developed a reputation for prioritizing the offensive line in their team-building philosophy, and their success over the past few seasons has largely been attributed to the strong play in the trenches. The 49ers have had a solid offensive line that has protected their quarterbacks and helped fuel their run game, a key aspect of their offensive identity.

With Kyle Shanahan at the helm, the 49ers have been known for their zone-blocking schemes, which require offensive linemen to be versatile, agile, and intelligent. This scheme demands that linemen be able to execute both quick-footed lateral movements and powerful drives, making Simmons an intriguing fit. His combination of size, strength, and footwork makes him an ideal candidate to thrive in Shanahan’s system, where offensive linemen often need to be both athletic and physical.

The 49ers’ decision to meet with Simmons at the Combine was no coincidence. They had been monitoring his development closely over the course of his college career, and the Combine provided an excellent opportunity to assess his growth and get to know him on a deeper level. Given that the 49ers were looking for help on the offensive line—particularly at tackle—Simmons represented a viable option to improve the unit for the long term.

Simmons and the 49ers: A Mutual Interest

The meeting between Simmons and the 49ers was filled with mutual respect. For Simmons, the opportunity to meet with the 49ers was a chance to demonstrate why he would be a good fit for their offensive line, while for the 49ers, it was an opportunity to evaluate whether Simmons possessed the traits they coveted in an offensive lineman.

According to reports from those present at the Combine, the 49ers were impressed with Simmons’ maturity and his understanding of the game. During the interview portion, Simmons spoke confidently about his strengths and areas for growth, displaying an awareness of what it takes to thrive at the next level. The 49ers’ coaching staff also asked Simmons about his experiences at Ohio State, his approach to handling adversity, and how he could fit into their system.

Simmons’ demeanor and professionalism were praised, as he handled the interview process with composure. The 49ers valued his ability to explain how he had adapted to the demands of college football, particularly at a program like Ohio State, where competition is fierce and the expectations are sky-high.

From Simmons’ perspective, the opportunity to meet with the 49ers was an exciting one. As a player who grew up in California, playing for a California-based team was an enticing prospect. Simmons had long admired the 49ers and their success on the field. Additionally, the chance to be part of an offensive line that already includes players like Trent Williams—one of the premier left tackles in the NFL—was a unique opportunity for growth. Simmons would have the chance to learn from one of the best in the business and contribute to one of the most successful teams in the NFL.

What’s Next for Josh Simmons?

Following the Combine and his meeting with the 49ers, Josh Simmons has positioned himself as a serious contender for a first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. His performance in Indianapolis only added to the growing excitement surrounding his potential. Many analysts believe that Simmons has all the tools to be an immediate impact player at the next level, and the 49ers’ interest is just one example of how highly he is regarded by NFL teams.

The 49ers will likely continue to evaluate their needs and assess the offensive tackle class, but the Combine meeting has solidified Simmons as one of the top players at his position. Whether or not he lands with San Francisco remains to be seen, but what’s clear is that Simmons has made a lasting impression on one of the NFL’s most successful franchises.

As the NFL Draft draws nearer, Simmons will continue to prepare for the next stage of his career. Whether he ends up with the 49ers or another team, it’s clear that his journey from Ohio State to the NFL is just beginning. The future is bright for Josh Simmons, and his meeting with the 49ers could be the first step in a long and successful professional career.