The Washington Football Team selected Texas offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft with designs on him being the left tackle of the future.
Almost one week after the draft, former Pro Bowl offensive tackle Charles Leno was set to visit Washington.
Last year’s left tackle, Cornelius Lucas, wasn’t too happy with Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network after his tweet reminding everyone of Leno’s Monday visit.
Rapoport tweeted the following:
Reminder: The Washington Football Team visits with former #Bears OT and FA Charles Leno today, a potential way to fill a big hole on the left side of the line. WFT drafted Samuel Cosmi in the second round, but Leno signing would allow him to sit and learn.
Leno had a strong reply for Rapoport.
Maybe just one day the 🤡s will start putting some respect on my name https://t.co/cT3rItTMGX
— Luc (@larry_lovestein) May 10, 2021
Washington fans on Twitter had very different reactions. First, you had some who felt Lucas was out of line as he was just an average starter in 2020. Then, you had the others who felt Lucas was disrespected, and he was right in his response to Rapoport.
I agree with Lucas. Washington did not have a “big hole” on the left side, as Rapoport suggested. Yes, Washington needed to add a young left tackle in the draft or a sturdy veteran to compete with Lucas in 2021, but suggesting Lucas was terrible last season is flat-out wrong.
While Pro Football Focus is not the ultimate guide in offensive line play, the site did grade Lucas with an 83.1 in pass protection and 78.2 overall. Lucas didn’t overwhelm anyone, but he certainly proved he could be more than just a swing tackle.
Regardless of whether Washington signs Leno or not, Lucas absolutely deserves the opportunity to compete for the starting position this summer in training camp.
And kudos to Lucas for standing up for himself.