Texas left tackle Samuel Cosmi could become the first offensive player selected in the first round of the NFL draft since quarterback Vince Young in 2006.
While there’s been plenty of speculation regarding player development, Texas can certainly silence the doubters if two Longhorns are selected within the first round of the 2021 NFL draft.
According to Luke Easterling of the Draft Wire, that’s exactly how it could play out. In the latest NFL mock draft, Cosmi and Jack linebacker Joseph Ossai were both taken off the board on the first night.
Cosmi has dropped after being projected in the teens previously. Draft Wire projected the star left tackle to the Jacksonville Jaguars with the No. 25 pick.
“Cam Robinson’s contract is up after this season, so the Jags don’t have a solution at left tackle going into the offseason, and that’s not a good way to start things with a new franchise quarterback in Fields. Cosmi is big, physical and athletic, with the polish to be a Day 1 starter on the blind side.”
On the flip side, it appears Ossai’s draft stock continues to rise. Texas’ top pass rusher squeaked into the first round at No. 32 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“The only undefeated team left in the league could go a few different ways here, but after what appears to be a season-ending knee injury to Bud Dupree, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Steelers prioritize his replacement here. Ossai is explosive off the edge, and has the kind of nonstop motor that Mike Tomlin will love.”
Cosmi has announced the decision to opt out of the remainder of the 2020 season to prepare for the 2021 NFL draft, while Ossai continues to play in hopes of improving his draft stock.
Each will be sorely missed in Austin and has a promising professional career ahead of him.