Josh Simmons only true LT with a 1st Round grade

[Rdforty2]

Simmons medical evaluation will be huge. He was hurt Oct 12. Not sure when surgery occurred. And, it's just speculation about a patellar tendon injury. Maybe it's not.

Definitely love Simmons upside and he definitely has the most upside as a true LT. But the injury recovery and lack of standout performance against big time comp(this is the year his play truly leveled up) cast a lot of doubt.

I'd be OK with the "redshirt" option if a trade down for more ammo occurred. Whether that's moving down to 12-15 to snag him, or moving back up into the 20's if he fell. Have to find a way to get extra value to help this year. This team can't keep pushing things off a year. Waiting a year to get production from your top pick burns year #2 of Maye's contract. Things have to start turning around.

 

[JohnJH]

He's been my favourite LT all along, but he's going to need a redshirt year and we can't afford that from a first round pick. He has the same injury as Cole Strange that took a year to mend and Simmons' injury happened in Nov which effectively means he'll miss the whole of next season.

Agreed. Unfortunately, we can't field the same kind of OL that we did last season. If they do, our Franchise QB could be out of the NFL a lot sooner than Andrew Luck was. And not just from a pass protection standpoint. Without solid run blocking, we could have the best RB Corps in the NFL and it won't matter. And a solid running game helps take the pressure off of a QB. By the way (and I ask this just because I'd like to know what the answer is), if Josh Simmons, at 6'5 310 is the best pure LT in this draft class, then why isn't Will Campbell at 6'6 320? And if Campbell isn't better than Simmons, why are people advocating that we take him at #4 (outside of needing a LT)? Even if we took Simmons in the 2nd Round or the end of the 1st, he still won't be able to play this season and we're back to my opening statement. I'd appreciate anyone's insight.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I'd appreciate anyone's insight.

Insight? You are significantly limiting the responses with that request.

 

[JohnJH]

Insight? You are significantly limiting the responses with that request.

True enough OIBS.

 

[Patriot Missile]

Agreed. Unfortunately, we can't field the same kind of OL that we did last season. If they do, our Franchise QB could be out of the NFL a lot sooner than Andrew Luck was. And not just from a pass protection standpoint. Without solid run blocking, we could have the best RB Corps in the NFL and it won't matter. And a solid running game helps take the pressure off of a QB. By the way (and I ask this just because I'd like to know what the answer is), if Josh Simmons, at 6'5 310 is the best pure LT in this draft class, then why isn't Will Campbell at 6'6 320? And if Campbell isn't better than Simmons, why are people advocating that we take him at #4 (outside of needing a LT)? Even if we took Simmons in the 2nd Round or the end of the 1st, he still won't be able to play this season and we're back to my opening statement. I'd appreciate anyone's insight.

I’ll give you some insight. If you have to ask yourself if he’s a tackle or guard then there is a problem with that pick at 4. Everyone’s waiting for his measurements to see if his arms measure out to 33 inches. It’s not the say all if they fall short because there are examples of players with shorter arms still being able to play the position but the sample shrinks dramatically if he can’t display elite athleticism. I was pretty high on him coming into the season, but I’ll have to say, he needs to show at least good athleticism in drills and workouts if he wants to maintain that top 10-15 draft stock.

Personally, I’ve been on the Alaric train for months. I’d just much rather have the franchise lay the 4 spot with bpa like Hunter/Carter/Graham. They are no brainer picks which eliminate the guess work and chance of effing up the pick. We need game changers, not hopefuls that you pray will work out.

I wish there was a Penei Sewell, Tristan Wirfs Rashawn Slater or Joe Alt in this draft. There might be, but it’s not crystal clear for this year unfortunately.

 

[Patriot Missile]

As for as Simmons, it’s a shame he got injured and didn’t have the chance to prove himself for the top spot. I’m not sure if staying in school was the answer or not?

If they drafted a LT that may not even play next season, no matter how good he is projected, if he’s not available to play and Maye is seriously injured, heads will roll and I don’t think the drafting department will take that kind of risk at 4. No ota’s?training camp?

He better be extra special for that draft capital. Even with a trade back. Honestly, I’ve seen him mocked anywhere from 13 to 40. I don’t think there are a whole lot of teams aside from the Eagles that have the luxury of taking him until late 1st early 2nd.

 

[bakes781]

 

[PatsFan2]

Not in the First Round but I would Trade up to 33 and get him at the Top of the Second.

 

[Headcase]

The "top" tackles in this draft are really a mediocre bunch, below to barely above the bare minimum in length; injuries; poor competition; raw; and in some cases a combination of multiples.

 

[Rdforty2]

Just to pass along another tidbit in the podcast, Marino and Crabbs said that they don't see Simmons going top 20. Its supposed good news that he plans on doing a workout at his pro day, but a good showing there could get him up to 20. His short stint of standout play on top of the injury shouldn't push him too high.

 

[DaBruinz]

What about Armand Membou? He's supposedly jumped Campbell.

 

[bakes781]

What about Armand Membou? He's supposedly jumped Campbell.

Yes but he's likely. RT only.

 

[DaBruinz]

Yes but he's likely. RT only.

Just saw the 2025 LT thread where you talked about Membou. As I mentioned there, I wonder if they move Wallace to LT and have him focus on that exclusively.

I really think that Wallace has the ability to be a starting OT. Whether it's LT or RT the team needs to set the position and leave him there for the year so he learns it. The back and forth last year clearly hurt.

 

[Rdforty2]

Just saw the 2025 LT thread where you talked about Membou. As I mentioned there, I wonder if they move Wallace to LT and have him focus on that exclusively.

I really think that Wallace has the ability to be a starting OT. Whether it's LT or RT the team needs to set the position and leave him there for the year so he learns it. The back and forth last year clearly hurt.

Wallace is not a LT. That was a disaster from the start.

It's possible he could be a capable RT. But were not really in the position to give him a spot. Taking Campbell or Membou does give you options though. If Wallace wins RT, they move inside to LG. If he can't handle it, they're the RT.

 

[bakes781]

 

[bakes781]

I would prioritize targeting Josh Simmons late in the first now that we lost out on Stanley.

 

[JohnJH]

I would prioritize targeting Josh Simmons late in the first now that we lost out on Stanley.

We might now have to use 2 high picks on LT's. And probably one on a RT.

 

[dliverey44]

My big issue is that I really doubt that LT will be actual BPA at anypoint we are picking, so here is the old debate do we stick BPA even if that means the OT is not addressed. I have been told by several folks that you always go BPA, so I am curious to see some of the responses.

 

[JohnJH]

My big issue is that I really doubt that LT will be actual BPA at anypoint we are picking, so here is the old debate do we stick BPA even if that means the OT is not addressed. I have been told by several folks that you always go BPA, so I am curious to see some of the responses.

If we can trade back and pick up an extra 2nd Rounder and whatever else, then taking a shot at a LT that could be surprisingly solid would be ideal. I suspect that we'll come out of this draft with at least 2 potentially promising LT's and perhaps one that can plat LT/RT like Ozzy Trapilo (as we could use an upgrade at RT. I'd sign Mekari and put him at LG. That alone would help whoever is at LT. I don't think the Ravens can afford him too after resigning Stanley.

 

[bakes781]

If we can trade back and pick up an extra 2nd Rounder and whatever else, then taking a shot at a LT that could be surprisingly solid would be ideal. I suspect that we'll come out of this draft with at least 2 potentially promising LT's and perhaps one that can plat LT/RT like Ozzy Trapilo (as we could use an upgrade at RT. I'd sign Mekari and put him at LG. That alone would help whoever is at LT. I don't think the Ravens can afford him too after resigning Stanley.

That's still a big IF and unless we get Cam in free agency which seems less likely now we need someone that can play LT on week one. Ideally I would just select Ersery in the 2nd but he likely won't be ready until a mid-season. Josh Simmons if fully healthy would be but he's likely a reach at 4 but isn't falling to 38.