Tag: left tackle

PFF ranks Samuel Cosmi second in the Big 12 at offensive tackle

Pro Football Focus released their rating for the top returning offensive tackles in 2020. Samuel Cosmi came in second in the Big 12.

This offseason Pro Football Focus (PFF) has done a tremendous job at ranking returning starters in their perspective conferences. Samuel Cosmi has been a hot topic among the NFL Draft community. Viewed by man such as ESPN’s Mel Kiper as a top 20 talent and one of the best tackles of the class. However, as PFF sees it Cosmi is the second best returner in the conference but by a narrow margin. Teven Jenkins of Oklahoma State takes the top spot.

It could be a battle between Jenkins and Cosmi for who is the second offensive tackle taken off the draft board in 2021. The top guy being Oregoon’s Penei Sewell who is being touted as a top three draft pick this early on. Cosmi is returning for his fourth season on the Forty Acres after passing up the NFL Draft in 2020.

After moving to left tackle, Cosmi has only continued to improve each and every year under offensive line coach Herb Hand. The 2020 season should be no different for the Humble, Texas. Once a three star prospect and the 135th ranked offensive tackle by 247Sports, continues to prove his doubters wrong. Why should anyone believe that he won’t continue to do so and make another big jump in 2020?

Denver Broncos depth chart prediction: Offensive line

Which offensive linemen will start for the Broncos this season?

As we continue our 2020 depth chart prediction series for the Denver Broncos, today we’re going to be looking at the offensive line.

Previously, we predicted the QB, RB, TE and WR depth charts.

Here’s our way-too-early prediction for the Broncos’ offensive line:

LT LG C RG RT
Garett Bolles Dalton Risner Lloyd Cushenberry III Graham Glasgow Ja’Wuan James
Elijah Wilkinson Austin Schlottmann Patrick Morris Netane Muti Calvin Anderson
Tyler Jones Nico Falah Quinn Bailey Jake Rodgers

For the sake of simplicity, each player is only listed once but there could be a single player who ends up serving as a backup for multiple positions (for example, Wilkinson could be the top backup guard and top backup tackle).

Unless Wilkinson has an amazing summer and upsets Bolles for a starting job, the starting five seems pretty easy to predict. The backup spots are where things get interesting.

Wilkinson seems to be a lock and Muti will undoubtedly make the 53-man roster. Depending on how many offensive linemen Denver carries, there might be just one opening after Wilkinson and Muti.

Some of the offensive linemen that don’t make the active roster will end up on the Broncos’ practice squad. Anderson could be a dark horse to watch for this summer but Schlottmann provides depth at two positions, which might make him more likely to make the team.

The backup (and perhaps left tackle) jobs will be sorted out this summer, assuming Denver will be able to hold a training camp this summer.

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What is the breakdown of Texans LT Laremy Tunsil’s new contract?

Houston Texans LT Laremy Tunsil has a new contract after signing his extension. What do the numbers look like and what is the salary cap impact?

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Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil agreed to terms on a contract extension with the club that traded a king’s ransom to the Miami Dolphins for his services at the end of the 2019 preseason. Coach Bill O’Brien was desperate to find a blindside protector for franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, that contract extension has been processed. Now, the official figures from Tunsil’s $76.35 million contract are available.

Indeed, the Pro Bowler will make $22 million annually, which includes a $13 million signing bonus and $50 million guaranteed — making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL. That isn’t bad for a player who negotiated his own contract.

In 2020, Tunsil will make $10.85 million with $10.35 million guaranteed. In 2021, Tunsil’s $16.15 million salary is guaranteed. In 2022, the former 2016 first-round pick’s $17.85 million salary will have $10 million of it guaranteed. In Tunsil’s final year of his contract in 2023, $18.5 million will be the base, but none of it is guaranteed.

Tunsil’s contract also has an annual de-escalator clause, according to Wilson.

What O’Brien, now the full-time general manager, has to take into account is Tunsil’s salary cap hit as he works with Watson on his contract extension. Tunsil will cost the Texans $14.1 million, $19.4 million, $21.1 million, and $21.75 million in subsequent seasons.

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Saints re-sign veteran offensive lineman Patrick Omameh

The New Orleans Saints re-signed veteran offensive lineman Patrick Omameh, who has started games at guard and played left tackle in a pinch.

The NFL’s transaction wire listed one roster move for the New Orleans Saints on Thursday: a reunion with Patrick Omameh, a 30-year-old offensive lineman with experience at both guard and tackle. Omameh re-signed with the Saints to fill out their roster at the maximum 90-man capacity.

Omameh took the field in 14 games for the Saints last season, starting at left tackle in the team’s Thanksgiving Day road victory over the Atlanta Falcons when injuries struck both the starter (Terron Armstead) and his initial backup (left guard Andrus Peat). Pro Football Reference credited Omameh with just one holding penalty on 156 snaps played on offense, also chipping in 74 appearances on special teams.

His return crowds the depth chart along the offensive line, which is exactly where most teams would want to be in the months before training camp. Omameh figures to compete at tackle with second-year pros Ethan Greenidge (out of Villanova) and Derrick Kelly (Florida State), as well as undrafted rookies Darrin Paulo (Utah), Calvin Throckmorton (Oregon), and Jordan Steckler (Northern Illinois).

He could also make a push for snaps at guard, where veteran backups like Nick Easton, Will Clapp, Cameron Tom, and college free agent Adrian Magee (LSU) will be jostling for a few valuable roster spots.

New Orleans boasts one of the NFL’s strongest offensive lines, but Omameh’s extensive experience could give him a leg up on his competition. He’s started full seasons at both left guard (for the Jacksonville Jaguars) and right guard (with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), but showed last year he has the versatility to slide outside in a pinch. In a perfect world, the starting lineup will avoid injuries and other absences, and he’ll never get on the field. But it’s good to know that someone with a legit NFL background is pushing so many younger players for a covet spot on the 53-man roster.

How that competition will shake out is fascinating. The Saints have their starting five locked in (between Armstead, Peat, rookie center Cesar Ruiz, second-year starter Erik McCoy, and 2019 All-Pro Ryan Ramczyk), leaving just three or four spaces available on the opening-day depth chart. But the addition of two slots to the practice squad, which can be called up to the active roster on game days, might incentivize the Saints to keep Omameh around and gamble on some of their young guns passing through waivers to earn playing-time with the practice squad.

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NFL Network connects Broncos to left tackle Jason Peters

The Broncos are among teams lurking while the Eagles negotiate with Jason Peters, according to NFL Network.

Jason Peters, a nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, could be a fit for the Broncos at left tackle.

Peters, 38, has told friends that if Tom Brady can play into his 40s, he can too, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

“He’s still out there, he’s sending out workout videos to let people know he feels really good,” Garafolo said. “He’s moving really good . . . [the Eagles] have been in communication, nothing really happening right now . . . there are so other teams involved right now. No one seems to be in a great rush.”

Among the other teams who “lurk” are the Broncos, Browns and Jets, according to fellow NFL Network reporter James Palmer.

After not selecting any offensive tackles in the draft, Denver GM John Elway and coach Vic Fangio said Garett Bolles and Elijah Wilkinson will compete for starting duties this summer. Peters would be an upgrade over either of those players — if he can stay healthy.

Peters missed three games in 2019, nine games in 2017, two games in 2015, two games in 2011, three games in 2010 and one game in 2009.

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Praise continues to roll in for Samuel Cosmi

Samuel Cosmi is viewed as a top prospect for the 2021 NFL Draft class and the praise continues to roll in for Sam Ehlinger’s protector.

So far since the 2020 NFL Draft concluded, there has been plenty said about Texas Longhorns offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi. Following their 38-10 thrashing of the Utah Utes in the Valero Alamo Bowl, there was some thought that Cosmi could declare for the 2020 NFL Draft. In fact he did submit paperwork to the NFL Advisory Board for feedback on his draft status.

Since that time plenty of outlets have projected Cosmi to be a first round draft pick. Which would be the Longhorns first one since 2015 when the Patriots selected Malcolm Brown. Recently ESPN’s Mel Kiper listed Cosmi as a top 25 prospect and his second rated offensive tackle. The praise from ESPN didn’t stop there. In a recent roundtable with fellow ESPN writers, Ryan McGee weighed in on once such topic with Samuel Cosmi in mind.

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Other than a QB or Penei Sewell, which player would you want to build a team around?

Samuel Cosmi isn’t Penei, but he’s close. Dude is 6-7, 310, has switched from right tackle to left, and let’s not forget him looking like Tony Gonzalez on that screen pass he ran in from the 20 against West Virginia last season. He’s coming back for a fourth season at Texas. He’s only going to get better.

That is high praise for Cosmi considering Oregon’s Penei Sewell is viewed as the best offensive tackle in the class and a top five lock at this point in the process. Obviously being that it is only May, Sewell could slide down the board for teams and draft analysts alike. However, given what Sewell is able to do on the field it is high praise for Cosmi nonetheless. The 2020 football season could be one that earns Cosmi a lot of money in the future.

Texas Longhorns in Mel Kipers’ top 25 big board

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr has released his early top 25 big board for the 2021 NFL Draft class. Sam Cosmi, Joseph Ossai and Caden Sterns make it.

Recently ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr released his 2021 top 25 players* for next year’s NFL Draft. The big name on the list for the Longhorns in the 2021 class will be Sam. No, not Ehlinger but Cosmi. According to Kiper, Samuel Cosmi is listed as the second best offensive tackle in the class.

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Cosmi comes in at number 12 on the board.

Cosmi, who started at right tackle as a redshirt freshman in 2018 then switched to left tackle last season, is a phenomenal athlete. Just watch this 12-yard touchdown reception from 2019. He has great feet and can also bowl over edge defenders in the run game. If he puts all of his talent together, he could be a top-10 pick. The Big 12 is wide open in 2020, but the Longhorns have the league’s best offensive lineman and a really solid veteran quarterback in Sam Ehlinger.

The offensive tackle is the Longhorns best shot at their first round one draft pick since 2015. Recently, former linebacker Malik Jefferson tweeted about a time that he went up against Cosmi on the scout team, he knew then how talented he was.

Kiper goes on to list his top five players of the 2021 class at each position, here is how the Longhorns stacked up.

  • Samuel Cosmi, OT, 2nd
  • Joseph Ossai, OLB, 5th
  • Caden Sterns, S, 3rd

Joseph Ossai will be an interesting study this upcoming football season. Currently slated to play in the “Jack” role for the Longhorns defense as a pass rush-linebacker hybrid on the outside. Ossai is very much built like the weakside defensive ends at the NFL level. While Kiper listed him as an outside linebacker, he could be viewed more as a pass rush specialist after the 2020 college football seasons. He finished five sacks (three came against Utah) and 13.5 tackles for loss last season, with a new focus expect those numbers to skyrocket. As will his draft stock following his junior year.

Caden Sterns has recently been receiving some first round hype in some mock drafts early on in the process. Despite that he had a down year in 2019, big things could be on the horizon for the third-year safety. Sterns only played in nine games, starting eight due to injury. The 2018 Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year could have a return to his 2018 form under new defensive coordinator Chris Ash. With the emphasis being on getting to the quarterback, there could be plenty of opportunities for Sterns to make plays on the ball or create turnovers with his punishing style.

 

Texas Football: Latest 2021 Mock Draft

The latest 2021 NFL Mock Draft has two Texas Longhorns selected in round one. One to the Chicago Bears and one to the Dallas Cowboys.

The 2020 NFL Draft saw Brandon Jones, Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson all finding new homes. The 2021 NFL Draft could see even more Longhorns finding their new homes. More specifically, multiple Texas players could do so on day one of the 2021 draft. Luke Easterling of Draft Wire has released his latest mock draft. In his way too early projections, two Longhorns get the call to the stage for pursue their professional career.

Pick 01.14

Chicago Bears: Samuel Cosmi, Offensive Tackle

Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

There is no question that a top need for the Chicago Bears is at offensive line. For the Bears to climb out of the doldrums of the NFC North division, they have to upgrade the position. Yes, the Detroit Lions were by far the worst team in the division but the Bears were a bottom five offensive team in the league in 2019.

The Bears were bottom five in almost every offensive statistical category. Upgrading their offensive line needs to be a top priority. Especially at offensive tackle. The Bears currently have Charles Leno Jr and Bobby Massie as their starters and signed through 2022. However, the team could look to get younger and more athletic at the position. Hence why taking Samuel Cosmi would be a smart move by the team.

Pick 01.26

Dallas Cowboys: Caden Sterns, Safety

Tim Warner/Getty Images

The Dallas Cowboys did a lot in the 2020 offseason to upgrade their team but they did not put as much emphasis on the safety position. The team brought in HaHa Clinton-Dix but only a one-year contract. Add in the fact that Xavier Woods is also on a one-year deal the team could look to upgrade the position in the next offense. Caden Sterns has entered the chat.

Sterns enters his third year in Austin and many feel that it could be his last. If Sterns declares for the NFL Draft he could very well find his way into the 2021 NFL Draft conversation in round one. Sterns need to prove he can stay healthy, and he very well could thrive under new defensive coordinator Chris Ash. He is one season removed from snagging four interceptions as a freshman and look for him to return to form in 2020.

Broncos decline Garett Bolles’ 5th-year option for 2021

The Broncos have opted not to pick up Garett Bolles’ fifth-year option for the 2021 season.

The Denver Broncos have declined left tackle Garett Bolles’ fifth-year option for the 2021 season, the team announced Friday.

If the option had been picked up, Bolles would have been owed a little more than $11 million next season. Instead, Bolles is now set to become a free agent next spring.

Bolles (6-5, 300 pounds) was selected by the Broncos in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft (20th overall). Bolles has done a great job staying healthy, starting 48-straight games, but his performances have been inconsistent.

Bolles has allowed 15.5 sacks in his career, an average of 0.323 sacks per game, which isn’t a terrible average. He has averaged nearly one penalty per game, though, and that’s a big problem. Opposing teams have accepted 10-plus penalties called against Bolles in each of the last three seasons.

This offseason, Bolles will compete with Elijah Wilkinson for the starting left tackle job.

Bolles is set to have a base salary of $1,969,351 in 2020, according to Spotrac.com. By the time his four-year rookie contract expires, Bolles will have earned a total of $11,243,509.

Bolles will have a salary cap hit of $3,510,154 this season (that’s his base salary plus $1,540,803 from a prorated signing bonus cap hit).

Entering his fourth season, Bolles will turn 28 years old on May 27.

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Matthew McConaughey video chats with five-star Texas target

Matthew McConaughey is known as the jack of all trades around Austin, but you can now add recruiter to his resume.

Texas is pulling out all the stops to steer five-star prospect Tommy Brockerymeyer to Austin. Continue reading “Matthew McConaughey video chats with five-star Texas target”