Packers Host Injured Prospect Josh Simmons for Pre-Draft Visit Amid Recovery Journey

So far, 12 of the Green Bay Packers’ 30 pre-draft visits this offseason have been announced. Prior to the announcement of Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons coming to Green Bay, all the other players who were projected to be first-round selections who visited the Packers came from just two positions: receiver and edge rusher.

So, why is Simmons the lone tackle coming in on a visit with the Packers? It almost certainly has to do with his medical evaluation. Initially reported as an ACL, Simmons — considered to be the top offensive lineman in the draft class at the time — tore his patellar tendon in October. While he’s claimed that he’s “way ahead of schedule” on the injury, a patellar tendon tear is a bit more complicated than a clean ACL tear.

It’s one reason why Simmons is bouncing around on visits, including with the Baltimore Ravens, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Per the consensus draft board, Simmons is ranked as the fourth-best tackle in the class right now as the 25th overall pick. With that being said, that’s including the injury risk, and there are real doubts about whether LSU’s Will Campbell and Texas’ Kelvin Banks will end up sticking at tackle in the league or kick into guard. Missouri’s Armand Membou is a right tackle, so you can still make the case that if Simmons were healthy, he’d be the top left tackle in the 2025 draft.

Simmons’ evaluation certainly isn’t an easy one, considering that there’s a real chance that he won’t suit up during his rookie season. I’m sure that’s why teams like the Packers and Ravens are trying to gain clarity on the status of his knee before making a big decision.

Simmons claimed in the past that he will be a full-go for a potential late-draft-process pro day. He participated in non-timed drills at Ohio State’s pro day a couple of weeks ago. Non-timed drills, though, are much different than full-contact football games, much less 17 consecutive games for just the regular season.