Over the next couple of months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up into the 2021 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.
Today, we are taking a look at Texas offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi.
Vitals
Height | 6-7
Weight | 309
One-Liner
Due to his length, natural balance, athleticism, and movement skills, Cosmi has a very high ceiling, but his pass-blocking technique will need to improve and he will need to get stronger and put more muscle mass on his body.
Highlights
Love the way #Texas OT Samuel Cosmi (6-7, 310, Jr.) competed in the games against TCU and LSU. He has a highly intriguing foundation to build upon. pic.twitter.com/tZML85lT1L
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) August 7, 2020
Samuel Cosmi, OT Texas
🔸6’6 309 pounds, redshirt junior
🔹34 career starts (13 at right tackle)
🔸Freshman All-American (2018)
🔹1st Team All-Big 12, 2nd Team All-American (2020) pic.twitter.com/2YlU3IAGK3— Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) January 21, 2021
Samuel Cosmi (Texas, LT) adds to a pretty deep 2021 tackle class. He’s got nice lateral movement skills and handles speed rushers well. pic.twitter.com/WQlqnA796w
— Dante Collinelli (@DanteCollinelli) June 21, 2020
Strengths
Moldable frame with long arms.
NFL-level athleticism. Balanced in his set-up and initial movements.
Uses length to his advantage to initiate contact when he wants. Relies on his reach to meet rushers and maintain spacing.
Coordinated feet, able to transition smoothly laterally, with blocking range to take out defenders at the second level and on the perimeter.
Drives his legs to uproot defenders as a run blocker.
Physical mind-set and always looking for someone to block.
Smart and quickly picks up defenders on delayed blitzes and combo blocks.
Versatility to play both tackle spots (14 games at right tackle, 21 at left tackle).
Weaknesses
Room to add more bulk and get stronger. Needs to develop his upper and lower half to strengthen his anchor.
Technique in lower half is a work-in-progress. Rushers take advantage of his leaning and overeager pass-sets.
Inconsistent hand/punch timing, allowing rushers to cross his face and get into his chest.
Pad level tends to rise at contact, allowing defenders to get underneath him.
Chargers Fit
Cosmi projects as a starting right tackle in his rookie season with the capability of becoming a full-time starter at left tackle once he becomes a more polished lineman and gains more mass. That’s unless the team is completely comfortable of allowing him to protect the blindside in Year 1.