“Ohio State’s Draft Maverick: Unexpected Decision Rocks 2025 NFL Draft Outlook”

In a twist of events that’s as intriguing as reading tea leaves at a Buckeye fan’s gathering, Ohio State’s offensive lineman Josh Simmons has decided not to make the pilgrimage to Green Bay for the NFL Draft. J.D. Vance, ever the conversationalist, had a few words of wisdom for Coach Ryan Day, perhaps with a wry smile, about the fleeting nature of our certainties. One minute, you’re suiting up in scarlet and gray; the next, choices about your draft prospects can change the direction of your life’s narrative.

So, here’s the question that’s been tossed around like a pregame football: Why skip the NFL Draft in-person experience? Is it the anxiety of the draft, the fear of the unknown, or perhaps an insightful understanding that destiny isn’t determined by one event, but by a myriad of decisions and moments leading up to it?

With over 250,000 souls expected to witness the spectacle, the decision of an Ohio State player to bow out has certainly added another layer to the draft’s mystique. Simmons, with his length and athleticism reminiscent of another seasoned player, steps into the draft shadows, yet his tale is not one of retreat but of a different kind of preparation for the grand stage. His knee injury might’ve benched him, but there’s no reason to believe he can’t still become a key starter in the NFL.

As the list of attendees dwindles, the excitement only escalates. Now, if you’re curious about how the landscape shifts with one key player’s absence and what J.D. Vance truly thinks, LEARN MORE. Explore with us as we delve into every twist and turn of this draft saga, offering insights and in-depth analysis from the heart of the Buckeye State to every sports enthusiasts’ screen across the nation.

The list of NFL Draft attendees continues to dwindle with an Ohio State star’s latest decision.

With over 250,000 fans expected to take in the festivities in Green Bay this week, a member of the Buckeyes‘ offensive line ultimately didn’t up making the trip to Titletown to hear his name called.

17 prospects were originally announced to show up to the Lambeau Field event, with Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston also joining them. However Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, Georgia’s Mykel Williams and now OSU‘s Josh Simmons have since backed out.

Here’s the list of NFL draftees still meeting the commissioner on Thursday though:

• Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
• Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
• Will Campbell, OT, LSU
• Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
• Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
• Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
• Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
• Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
• Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
• Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
• Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
• Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
• Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
• Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
• Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Simmons is expected to be selected near the back of the first round by contenders like the Ravens, Chiefs, Texans and Rams.

His length and athleticism has drawn comparisons to Pro Bowl LT D.J. Humphries — who just signed with Kansas City last year but only started two regular season games due to injury.

Simmons himself is coming off a season-ending knee issue that forced him off the field back in October. But there’s no reason to believe he can’t still become a plus-starter in the National Football League.

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