Dolphins Take Bold Gamble on Injured Lineman in Latest Mock Draft by Former VP
The Miami Dolphins are in need of solidifying their offensive and defensive lines, with both positions requiring significant upgrades. The team has a range of potential first-round prospects to consider, especially on the defensive side, but they also have a few options when it comes to bolstering the offensive line. A new mock draft, crafted by Mike Tannenbaum, the former Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Dolphins, places Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons in Miami’s sights. However, the decision to select Simmons is one that comes with considerable risk and uncertainty.
Simmons, who has been recovering from a serious injury, suffered a torn left patellar tendon on October 12th, 2024, which prematurely ended his season. Despite making steady progress in his recovery, his timeline for returning to full health is still uncertain, as it typically requires around six months to fully heal. This leaves the Dolphins with a question mark regarding whether Simmons will be ready to contribute immediately, even if given ample recovery time. In addition to the injury concerns, Simmons also has a history of penalty issues, which complicates the decision further.
In his 32 college games, Simmons accumulated a total of 26 penalties, with 17 of those coming in his freshman year at San Diego State, which was also his only season as a right tackle. While his time as a left tackle at Ohio State since 2023 has been more consistent, his past penalty record raises red flags about his discipline on the field. On the positive side, Simmons showed impressive performance before his injury in 2024, allowing only one pressure on 152 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Over the course of his college career, Simmons has amassed 1,005 pass-blocking snaps and allowed just five sacks, showcasing his potential as a top-tier prospect.
While Tannenbaum’s mock draft prediction is intriguing, it’s a departure from the consensus, which expects the Dolphins to target other offensive and defensive linemen in the first round. The combination of injury recovery and penalty history makes selecting Simmons a risky move for Miami, despite his clear potential.