The New England Patriots selection at fourth overall is likely going to be the first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft where things are unknown. Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter, and Cam Ward are very likely to go in the top three picks, but after that there is a lot of players who could be potentially be selected by the Patriots.
In a new mock draft from Doug Farrar of Athlon Sports, the Patriots take Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons at fourth overall. New England has made a lot of moves on the defensive side of the ball and needs to add offensive line talent. With their pick of the litter, taking Simmons would be a questionable decision.
Simmons tore his patellar tendon in October of 2024, and missed the rest of the year and most of the pre-draft workouts. His injury is one that takes a while to recover from, and isn't the easiest recovery either.
Farrar downplays the significance of the injury, stating, "Had Simmons not suffered a torn patellar tendon last October, I don't think anyone would blink an eye at his selection with the fourth overall pick."
One of the main points behind Simmons fitting the Patriots is that he is a true left tackle. There are plenty of offensive tackles having their NFL future painted in as a guard instead of a tackle, but Simmons future is as a tackle.
Finding a new tackle is a priority, and Simmons was great in his playtime in 2024. According to Pro Football Focus, Simmons allowed just one pressure and no sacks in 2024. In 2023, Simmons allowed just one sack all year.
He's steadily gotten better every year at Ohio State, showing his incredible development at left tackle. But his injury makes his draft slot a lot lower than it might've been if he was healthy.
If Simmons wasn't hurt, his selection could be easily justified. But Simmons is hurt, and his injury is a serious one that puts his immediate NFL future in question.
With a premium pick like fourth overall, taking an injured offensive lineman is a questionable selection, especially with a strong offensive line class down the board. Farrar's selection of Simons to the Patriots at fourth overall would be a huge reach and something that would be questioned after the fact.
