Tag: sam cosmi

Sam Cosmi’s athleticism is a ‘real big plus’ at guard for the Commanders

Is this the year Sam Cosmi puts it all together?

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The Washington Commanders had high hopes for Sam Cosmi when they selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft out of Texas. Cosmi had a rough start at training camp battling Montez Sweat and Chase Young but slowly settled down and finished camp on a strong note.

It earned Cosmi a starting position at right tackle as a rookie.

Cosmi had his ups and downs as a rookie. He looked dominant at times as a run blocker but did have some issues in pass protection. Cosmi’s biggest problem was staying healthy. Two different injuries cost eight games from his rookie season.

Injuries again hampered Cosmi in 2022, leading the Commanders to turn to Cornelius Lucas at right tackle. Instead of keeping Cosmi on the bench, Washington played Cosmi at guard, where he performed reasonably well.

The Commanders headed into this offseason planning to start Cosmi at guard and find a right tackle. The goal was to improve two positions at once. That led Washington to sign former Kansas City Chief Andrew Wylie to play right tackle, with Cosmi penciled in at right guard.

Head coach Ron Rivera recently spoke of Cosmi’s willingness to play either tackle or guard.

“Was really good just because of the fact that knowing that he was up to it and whether it was at tackle or guard, he was more than willing to play either spot,” Rivera said.

“And what it did was it really helped us in terms of going out and seeing if we can get [OT] Andrew [Wylie], knowing that Andrew would come in and be able to play the right tackle position. [The] nice thing about Andrew, though, is he could play either side as well as guard but knowing that Sam was up to it and we just feel with Sam’s athleticism as a guard, you know, it would be a real big plus for us. So, it’s been good for him. I know it’s been good for him because you can see it on tape. And also, just developing the rapport with one guy right now has been, I think also another thing that’s helped him.”

That type of versatility is good to have, as it increases depth across the offensive line. Depth has been an issue for the Commanders recently. specifically on the interior.

Cosmi has the tools to be a Pro Bowl guard. He has the size, power and athleticism. For Cosmi, it’s been about staying healthy and utilizing proper technique. If he can put that all together in 2023, the Commanders have found their right guard for the foreseeable future.

Commanders have shown some real progress in two areas

Emmanuel Forbes continues to be a bright spot for the Commanders.

A local reporter believes confidently the Commanders have made real progress in two key areas of the roster this offseason.

The Washington Post Commanders reporter Sam Fortier went as far as Thursday on the Craig “Hoffman Show” on The Team 980 to suggest that if the Commanders were playing the Vikings and wanted to shadow wide receiver Justin Jefferson, it would not be Kendall Fuller, given the assignment. It wouldn’t even be Benjamin St-Juste.

No, Fortier declared it would be rookie Emmanuel Forbes who has yet to play his initial NFL regular-season game. “If you want to be CB1 by that definition, then I think (Forbes) is your guy right now. He has been impressive. In terms of minicamp for a rookie? He has looked pretty dang good.”

Hoffman then transitioned, “The offensive line is still a massive area of concern.” He asked Fortier, “Have you seen anything to ease your concern in that position group this Spring?”

Fortier’s response was noteworthy. “If you want to say that they are old, unathletic and immobile like they were last year at guard with Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner. Then, I have seen things to boost my confidence. Saahdiq Charles looks bigger and stronger, and Sam Cosmi is going to transition nicely into guard.”

Fortier continued; however, he did not feel Rivera was as confident in the offensive line as he would like to be. Hoffman referred to how confident coaches were in 2022 of their offensive line despite its ability being much less than in 2020-21. Hoffman suggested this is good in that it shows they are more aware of what they actually have and don’t have on the offensive line now than in 2022.

 

An NFL coach gives encouraging scouting report on Tennessee OT Darnell Wright

Darnell Wright: “Plays nasty, finishes blocks.”

The Washington Commanders are first on the clock at No. 16 in the 2023 NFL draft. With needs on the offensive line and at cornerback, those positions are most often linked to Washington in various mock drafts.

A player often linked to the Commanders is Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright. A four-year starter in the SEC, Wright had an outstanding college career and projects as an immediate starter at right tackle in the NFL.

Wright also has experience at guard and left tackle, but many believe he could be an upper-echelon right tackle as soon as his rookie season.

If Washington selected Wright, he’d likely be the right tackle as a rookie, moving the recently signed Andrew Wylie to guard. That move would shift former right tackle Sam Cosmi over to left guard, immediately upgrading three positions for the Commanders.

In Bruce Feldman of The Athletic’s draft preview, he spoke to numerous NFL coaches, scouts and analysts, and some came away rather unimpressed with the offensive line class.

However, when asked about Wright, one NFL coach offered the following evaluation:

I like that dude as a right tackle.  He’s got some s— to him. Of all the guys he plays with, the most s— to him. He’s unpolished and rough around the edges. Plays nasty, finishes blocks. Technically, he will need work, but in terms of size, power and being able to move and get a hat on a hat, I like that guy.

Sounds like the perfect description, and one that should make Washington fans happy if Wright is the pick.

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Commanders lineman Sam Cosmi gets married

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Cosmi.

While the Commanders prepare for the annual NFL draft, one of their offensive linemen recently made one of the most important decisions he will make in his entire life.

Two-year veteran lineman Samuel Cosmi tied the knot, marrying the former Blair Westerlund.

Westerland has experience herself in athletics, having been a volleyball player, but injuries derailed her continuing to play.

While at the University of Texas, she majored in youth and community studies with a concentration in special populations while minoring in psychology. She has also earned a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis.

Cosmi, who stands 6-foot-6, weighs 309 pounds and was the 51st overall selection in round 2 by Washington in the 2021 NFL draft. Also a former Texas Longhorn, Cosmi started and played 9 games of the 2021 season at right tackle.

In the 2022 season, Cosmi was also used at right guard. Consequently, with the Commanders signing Andrew Wylie, it appears the Commanders’ plans are to play Wylie at right tackle and Cosmi at right guard in 2023.

More importantly for Cosmi, he has entered into another contract, one that far transcends football and the NFL. He has begun his new journey in which he becomes a member of team Cosmi, where two individuals become one in ways and depths that far transcend football.

Best wishes to the Cosmi family. May you build and enjoy a long, strong marriage.

 

Commanders initially address offensive line in 2023 free agency

What does Washington’s OL moves Monday mean for others, such as Chase Roullier, Wes Schweitzer and Andrew Norwell?

Commanders fans should be pleased with Washington’s front office addressing their offensive line play, which substantially dropped off in 2022.

On the first day of the 2023 free agency tampering period, the Commanders have already announced they will be signing Andrew Wylie (OT) and Nick Gates (OL).

Wylie’s deal is for three years and up to $24 million for the former Kansas City Chief. No doubt, the addition of new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy played into this decision.

Early speculation would lead us to believe Wylie will be the projected starter at right tackle. This would enable the Commanders to move right tackle Sam Cosmi inside to right guard, replacing Trai Turner. On the surface, the move appears to improve the Commanders at both positions.

Wylie is mobile at 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, and also durable. In his five seasons in the NFL, he has been available in 71 of his possible 82 games. Wylie has not been an All-Pro or a Pro Bowl-caliber player. Yet, he may still be developing and maturing as a player, as he arguably accomplished his best pass-blocking season in 2022.

Gates comes from the division rival New York Giants, and his deal is reportedly for three years at a maximum value of $18 million, and $8 million is guaranteed. Gates has been in the league for four seasons (2019-22). The 6-foot-5, 307-pounder was undrafted out of Nebraska.

Gates broke his left fibula and tibia against Washington in 2021. Seven surgeries later, he was back in the lineup, playing ten games (starting 8) in 2022.

What does this decision signify for the interior of the Commanders line? Frankly, Gates was not overly impressive in 2022. Jonathan Allen pushed him around more than a few times. Perhaps the Commanders are banking on Gates being stronger a second year following his very serious leg injuries?

Are the Commanders planning on parting ways with Chase Roullier? Wes Schweitzer? Tyler Larsen? Andrew Norwell?

Logan Paulsen: Commanders top priority should be O-Line

The Commanders’ top priority should be upgrading the offensive line in 2023.

Question: What is the first thing the Commanders need to do regarding their roster?

Answer: Upgrade their offensive line.

Logan Paulsen, former Washington tight end, and current analyst regarding the Washington Commanders, certainly believes that is the case.

Paulsen stated Tuesday as a guest on the Ben Standig podcast, “Standig Room Only,” he felt the first roster priority should be to upgrade the offensive line.

“They need to find an offensive tackle; probably move Sam Cosmi into right guard. Do you draft a center? Do you bring in a free-agent center? Do you feel good about Chris Paul being your left guard for the 2023 season?”

“I think he has a lot of growing to do, still,” said Paulsen, but he added he thinks he is capable.

It is no secret the offensive line saw major moves after 2021. Chase Roullier was rehabbing a broken leg, Brandon Scherff departed for Jacksonville via free agency and Ereck Flowers was released.

It is also no secret Roullier was seriously injured again in 2022, missing the final 15 games.  In addition, neither Scherff nor Flowers were replaced this past season. Paulsen brought up the fact that the Commanders brought in Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell, bigger players, so maybe they were planning early to run the ball more.

“They are big dudes, who can move people off of the ball,” expressed Paulsen. “But they are not great pass protectors anymore. They have perhaps lost that twitchy athleticism that makes for good pass protectors. Maybe that is an indication to me of where they wanted to go (run more).”

“I do think as much as people want to crush the offensive line, I do think the clash of philosophy, apparently between Scott (Turner) and Ron (Rivera), shows up in that personnel decision.”

These personnel decisions along the offensive line kind of fit the philosophy that you are going to run the ball first, second and third. So why was there this discrepancy, this wire crossing with Scott in how they came out the first two games against Jacksonville and Detroit passing the ball all over the place?”

“What about the Jahan Dotson pick? I am always of the impression you look to improve your skill positions. You look, the year before, with Curtis Samuel injured, they literally had Terry McLaurin and Cam Sims.”

“As much as I like Cam Sims and respect his game, he is not a number two receiver in the NFL. They needed to address that issue, so why not with a fine receiver like Jahan Dotson?”

But for this year, Paulsen seems to be all in on the Commanders addressing the offensive line in both free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft.

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Commanders’ bye is coming at the perfect time

The bye is arriving at the right time for the Commanders.

It’s not often a team in the middle of a playoff chase gets a bye week in Week 14. In the case of the Washington Commanders, it couldn’t come at a better time.

The Commanders have battled injuries throughout the season but have remained relatively healthy overall. However, in Sunday’s tie with the New York Giants, their injury luck began to change.

Right tackle Sam Cosmi, who made his first career start at right guard Sunday, left the game with an ankle injury. It does appear Cosmi escaped serious injury and could return for the Week 15 rematch.

Center Tyler Larsen doesn’t appear so lucky. Larsen, Washington’s fourth center this season, had been playing in the absence of starter Chase Roullier who was injured in Week 2 and lost for the season. Larsen was carted off the field late in Sunday’s game with a dislocated kneecap.

It’s unfortunate for Larsen and Washington. Larsen’s season ended prematurely last season after he replaced an injured Roullier midway through the season. Larsen suffered an Achilles injury in Week 14 and missed the remainder of the season. He began this season on the physically-unable-to-perform list, and Washington activated him on Oct. 8. He quickly replaced Nick Martin at center and stabilized the Commanders offensive line.

While Larsen’s injury is a big blow to Washington’s offensive line, the bye week gives the Commanders time to determine if they want Martin back at center or decide to move Wes Schweitzer to center. Schweitzer was activated ahead of Sunday’s game.

In addition to the offensive line injuries, the bye week gives players time to rest after a grueling season. Antonio Gibson, Logan Thomas, Trai Turner, Dax Milne and Jonathan Allen are among those who’ve been banged up recently.

The break also gives defensive end Chase Young an extra week as the Commanders hope Young can finally make his debut in Week 15.

While the bye week is perfect for the Week 15 rematch against the New York Giants, the decision to move the game to Sunday night puts the Commanders at a bit of a disadvantage for Week 16. Washington travels to San Francisco to play the red-hot 49ers on short rest for a game on Christmas Eve the following Saturday.

The Commanders aren’t complaining, though. To be playing meaningful football in December is a nice change.

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Commanders OC Scott Turner talks Sam Cosmi potentially playing guard this week

With Trai Turner missing practice this week, the Commanders could turn to Sam Cosmi at right guard against the Giants. Scott Turner believes it’s essential to get your best five on the field.

The Washington Commanders chose Sam Cosmi in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft to be their future at right tackle. Cosmi immediately stepped into the lineup and became a force as a run blocker. Unfortunately, Cosmi would miss eight games during his rookie season.

Cosmi was back at right tackle in 2022, but a thumb injury forced him to miss the next three games, leading veteran Cornelius Lucas to start at right tackle.

Cosmi returned in Week 8 against the Colts and only played special teams in his first two games back. However, over the last three weeks, Cosmi and Lucas have been splitting reps at right tackle. The Commanders love Cosmi and believe he has a bright future at tackle — or guard.

With right guard Trai Turner missing practice this week, the coaches moved Cosmi inside to right guard.

After Thursday’s practice, Turner was asked about Cosmi potentially playing right guard against the Giants in Week 13.

“I think as the season goes on and you have some guys in and out of the lineup on the offensive line; you want to get your best five guys out there,” Turner said. “So, being able to move Sam around a little bit, having him in there at guard, having that be an option of something that we can do, if that gets our best five out there, that’s something that we will be, be able to do. But we just want to be able to have that option, so we can get him, get him on the field cause a good player. Obviously, him and Big Luke [Cornelius Lucas] have been playing, kind of splitting time. Both [have] been playing pretty well, so we can get him out there together. That’d be something that’d be positive for us.”

Trai Turner hasn’t exactly been his former Pro Bowl self this season. He has improved in recent weeks, which is encouraging, but is he really the best option? In more potentially good news, Wes Schweitzer was designated to return from injured reserve this week. Schweitzer began the season as the starting right guard before his injury.

Cosmi is a dominant run blocker, meaning the Commanders could have a terrific right side of the offensive line with Cosmi and Lucas.

If Cosmi does play right guard Sunday, he could be auditioning to be Washington’s long-term right guard as many believe he has immense potential at guard.

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Commanders could be getting some help on the offensive line

The Commanders designated Wes Schweitzer for return from injured reserve.

Washington Commanders guard Trai Turner has missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of Sunday’s important Week 13 game against the New York Giants.

In his place, Washington has worked right tackle Sam Cosmi at right guard, keeping Cornelius Lucas at right tackle. Lucas replaced Cosmi at right tackle after Cosmi injured his thumb in Week 4. Since Cosmi’s return, the pair have rotated at right tackle.

Good news could be on the way for the Commanders. Washington designated guard/center Wes Schweitzer to return from the reserve/injured list. Schweitzer suffered a concussion in the Week 3 loss to the Eagles.

Before Schweitzer’s injury, he began the season as the starter at right guard. However, when center Chase Roullier was lost for the season in Week 2, Schweitzer started at center in Week 3 before his injury. This is Schweitzer’s third season in Washington, and he has started a total of 20 games.

Washington now has 21 days to either activate Schweitzer to the roster, or he will miss the remainder of the season. Sometimes these moves happen relatively quickly, or, in other cases, the team waits until the final minute to make a move.

If Schweitzer is activated soon, he figures to be back in the mix at right guard. Either way, Schweitzer’s potential return gives the Commanders terrific depth on the interior of the offensive line.

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What we learned from the Eagles’ Monday night loss to the Commanders

As we head towards Week 11 at Indianapolis, here’s what we learned from the Philadelphia Eagles’ loss to the Washington Commanders.

The Eagles will return to the practice field Thursday as the team prepares for a critical Sunday matchup on the road against the Colts.

The NFL world is still reacting to the Commanders’ 32-21 upset win on Monday night. Philadelphia will have to adjust after placing Dallas Goedert, Avonte Maddox, and Marlon Tuipulotu on injured reserve with various injuries.

Teams can learn a lot from a loss, and we’ve highlighted four key takeaways and what we learned from Monday night.