Tag: Samuel Cosmi

Washington Commanders Sam Cosmi ranked a Top 10 OG in the NFL

Former Longhorn Sam Cosmi ranked a Top 10 OG in the NFL by PFF

The Washington Commanders made one of the best selections of the 2021 NFL draft and probably didn’t even realize it at the time as they used their second-round pick, No. 51 overall, on former Texas Longhorns OL Sam Cosmi.

During Cosmi’s four-year collegiate career, he started 34 games for the Longhorns and was named Second-team All-Big 12 in 2019 and First-team All-Big 12 in 2020.

As a rookie, Cosmi started the Commanders’ season opener as a right tackle, but over the course of his career, he’s moved to being an interior guard. Cosmi has missed some time in his professional career due to a couple of different injuries, but when he’s been healthy he has been among the best guards in the league.

Heading into the 2024 season, Pro Football Focus ranks Cosmi as the No. 3 OG in the entire NFL behind only Atlanta’s Chris Lindstrom and Kansas City’s Joe Thuney.

Cosmi is entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, so I would expect Washington to try and extend him before the season begins as they won’t want to risk losing him in free agency next summer.

Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02.

Former Longhorns Samuel Cosmi, Roschon Johnson among most under-appreciated in NFL

These two were fan favorites in Austin.

Two former Texas Longhorns will be gearing up for training camp in July as they prepare for the 2024 NFL season. Both Samuel Cosmi and Roschon Johnson have tasted success and they have to be hungry for more.

Cosmi was a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft and was expected to be a book end blocker for the Washington Commanders offensive line. Plans and injuries have changed that course for the better. Last season, Cosmi enjoyed the most success of his short NFL career in 2023. The team will look completely different with a new staff and a Heisman Trophy winner ready to take over at quarterback.

On the flip side we have Johnson, who is coming off his rookie season with the Chicago Bears. Most of his success came in the latter part of the season. Now with virtually a whole new offense, Johnson and company should be a whole lot more dynamic.

Both former Longhorns were named among the most under-appreciated in the NFL.

Samuel Cosmi, Washington Commanders

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

What Tom Blair Says…

In 2021, Washington chose Cosmi with a second-round draft pick. Since then, the team has changed names, owners, head coaches, front-office leadership and quarterbacks, while Cosmi missed parts of both of his first two seasons with injuries. In 2023, though, he moved from right tackle to right guard, and things seemed to really click. PFF credited him with just one sack allowed all season, awarding him the second-highest offensive grade of the entire team. With the Dan Quinn-Jayden Daniels era about to kick off, Washington must be glad to know Cosmi has developed into a pass-protecting, run-blocking rock up front.

Moving to guard was a blessing for both Washington and Cosmi, who has had issues staying on the field due to injury. Going into the 2024 NFL season, Cosmi will be tasked with keeping the reigning Heisman Trophy Winner upright and paving holes for Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. The success in the upcoming season will likely revolve this offensive line, including the play of Samuel Cosmi.

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears

Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

What Blair Says…

Johnson was probably appreciated at an appropriate level in 2023, when he was a fourth-round pick showing flashes for a stuck-in-the-mud offense, topping 50 scrimmage yards in five games and breaking off the occasional monster gain. That was before GM Ryan Poles supercharged the depth chart with attention-grabbing names like Caleb Williams, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze and — most crucially for Johnson — D’Andre Swift. Don’t forget about Johnson, though. For the first time in his career last season, Swift served as a clear-cut lead back for the Eagles, and while he played well, his production also sputtered toward the end of the year. Giving Johnson a healthy share of the workload seems like a good way to bring the young back further along while perhaps keeping Swift fresher longer.

Johnson was a huge piece of the Texas backfield during his time in Austin and he is no stranger to sharing the load. He and Bijan Robinson were quite the tandem. With the talent coming in, Roschon looks to be a part of a loaded offense poised for big things once again. The Chicago running back should do a lot more than 352 yards and 2 TDs in 2024.

The draft round where Washington has mostly failed

Washington’s lack of success in the second round is alarming. The Commanders believe their last three second-round picks can change that narrative.

Did the Commanders finally get a player in the second round who will make sizable contributions for Washington?

Friday, with the 47th pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Commanders selected Jartavius Martin, DB, Illinois.

The second round has been not only disappointing, but it has also been many times brutal for the Commanders, Washington Football Team and Redskins.  In the Daniel Snyder era, the second round has been mostly depressing for the franchise and its fan base. Taking ownership in May 1999, Mr. Snyder’s first draft was therefore the 2000 draft.

The team actually drafted well in the second round in 2001 (Fred Smoot) and 2002 Ladell Betts, but after that, the successful picks in the second round have been few.

In his 129 NFL games, Smoot intercepted 21 passes and was a starting corner for seven seasons of his NFL career. In his 111 NFL games, Betts rushed for 3,326 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns in his 821 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. The former Iowa Hawkeye also caught 188 passes for 1,646 yards and three touchdown receptions.

To be honest, there have been a few other Washington second-rounders who were not busts and made notable contributions such as Preston Smith (2015) in his four seasons, Trent Murphy with 15 sacks in his three seasons, Rocky McIntosh in his six seasons had 3 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, 8 sacks, 329 solo tackles, 16 tackles for a loss and 23 quarterback hits.

Commanders Wire certainly hopes Sam Cosmi (2021) finds more success at guard and Phidarian Mathis (2022) can regain his health and strength and contribute at defensive tackle.

Here is the entire list of second-round picks by Washington in the Daniel Snyder era:

2023     Jartavius Martin

2022     Phidarian Mathis

2021     Samuel Cosmi

2018     Derrius Guice

2017     Ryan Anderson

2016     Su’a Cravens

2015     Preston Smith

2014     Trent Murphy

2013     David Amerson

2011     Jarvis Jenkins

2008     Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, Malcolm Kelly

2006     Rocky McIntosh

2003     Taylor Jacobs

2002     Ladell Betts

2001     Fred Smoot

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

NFL draft history: Every player selected with the 51st pick since 2010

NFL Draft history: Looking at every No. 51 overall pick selected since the 2010 NFL Draft and the Eagles’ chances of landing an impact player

The buildup for the NFL draft is all about the first-round picks, but championship teams are built when the dollars aren’t guaranteed and some of the league’s all-time greats have been second round picks.

Philadelphia will have one second-round pick (No. 51 overall) in next week’s NFL draft and that selection could be used to target a wide receiver or edge rusher depending on how Thursday night turns out.

In 2019, the Eagles hit gold with Miles Sanders, but have been burdened by passing on DK Metcalf and Terry McLaurin for J.J. Arcega-Whiteside.

In 2020, Howie Roseman landed the teams current starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, and last year, a future All-Pro left guard was landed when Landon Dickerson was selected.

With the draft a little over a week away, here’s every No. 51 overall picks since 2010.

Ron Rivera was happy with several of Washington’s rookies on Thursday

Ron Rivera was pleased with the rookies after one preseason game.

Washington head coach Ron Rivera met with the media via Zoom on Friday after the WFT’s 22-13 loss to New England in the preseason opener.

The best news from Rivera’s Friday presser was there were no major injuries on Thursday,

Rivera also went over the performance of several of his rookies and came away impressed.

Sam Cosmi started the game at right tackle and played most of the first half. Cosmi did well in both pass blocking and in the run game. Rivera praised his hand placement and footwork.

At this point, it’s difficult to imagine anyone else starting at right tackle in Week 1. Cosmi has gradually gotten better each day this summer.

Rivera paid rookie tight end Sammis Reyes, an ideal compliment.

Reyes caught two passes but didn’t look natural either time. That’s ok. Reyes offers plenty of things you can’t teach, such as size, athleticism and physicality. Thursday’s performance would have to be considered encouraging from Reyes.

What about first-round pick Jamin Davis?

Davis didn’t stand out in his first professional action. Some fans were panicking. Relax. Once things slow down for Davis, he is going to be an outstanding NFL linebacker.

Rivera wants to further expand undrafted rookie running Jaret Patterson’s duties.

Patterson was extremely impressive on Thursday.

Wide receiver Dyami Brown and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste also impressed in limited duty.

Washington fans should be encouraged about its 2021 rookie class.

 

Sam Cosmi feels he is getting better every day

Thanks to competing against Chase Young and Montez Sweat each day, rookie offensive tackle Sam Cosmi is getting better.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://washingtonfootballwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

In the early stages of training camp, Washington defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young had their way with rookie offensive tackle Sam Cosmi.

Young would later say the only way he could help Cosmi get better was to bring his best on every play.

While Young and Sweat have done their part, Cosmi is beginning to turn a corner in his development. On Tuesday, head coach Ron Rivera said that he felt Cosmi was holding up well against Washington’s outstanding pass-rushers.

Cosmi had another good day of practice on Wednesday, and afterward, he spoke to the media.

“I’ve definitely seen progression in my own skill and development as camp has progressed,” Cosmi said, per Zach Selby of washingtonfootball.com. “I’m really happy where I’m going.”

Cornelius Lucas is back at practice this week after his activation from the reserve/COVID-19 list, but Cosmi remains with the first team at right tackle.

Washington likely knows what it has in Lucas. The team wants to see Cosmi against the best. Because Cosmi is currently still running with the ones means little until later in training camp.

The next challenge for Cosmi is preseason games. Of course, going up against Young and Sweat daily is the best test any rookie could face.

Seeing Cosmi’s development in the early stages of training camp has been one of the better storylines of Washington’s summer.

 

 

 

Ron Rivera is impressed with Samuel Cosmi after first practice in pads

Samuel Cosmi impressed Ron Rivera on Tuesday. It’s an encouraging sign.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://washingtonfootballwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

When Cornelius Lucas began training camp on the reserve/COVID-19 list, it meant rookie offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi would be thrown into the fire immediately, going against Chase Young and Montez Sweat in practice every day.

Through the first week of practice, things went as expected. Young and Sweat had their way with the rookie from Texas.

The pads finally went on Tuesday and, according to head coach Ron Rivera, Cosmi held his own against Young and Sweat.

This is encouraging news.

The coaches knew the only way Cosmi would be ready was to be matched up with Washington’s pass-rushers daily. He would lose more battles than he was expected to win, but the hope was he would improve each day. Now, it’s happening.

Young said last week he wanted to help Cosmi. But the best way he knew to help the rookie was to give him his best each day. Young certainly has done that, and Cosmi is better for it.

When he was at Texas, Cosmi often dominated because of his combination of size and athleticism. He was large and could move, but in watching his film, his technique could get sloppy. That didn’t scare Washington. You can teach technique. You can’t teach Cosmi’s size, athleticism and power.

Lucas is back now and will be in the mix with Cosmi to start at right tackle. If Cosmi can continue his upward trajectory for the remainder of camp — and in the preseason — he could be Washington’s starting right tackle earlier than expected.

Chase Young wants to help Samuel Cosmi get better

Chase Young believes he can help Samuel Cosmi.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://washingtonfootballwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

When Washington defensive end Chase Young was enjoying a standout rookie season in 2020, he was working in practice every day against longtime right tackle Morgan Moses.

Moses helped Young get better as the season wore on by not taking it easy on the then-rookie defender.

Washington released Moses in May, and now, rookie second-round pick Samuel Cosmi is running with the first team at right tackle while Cornelius Lucas is out.

Young, who spoke with the media after practice on Thursday, wants to help Cosmi get better.

“Yeah, somebody like Sam, I feel like the best thing I can do for them is just to give him everything I have, just to give him my best. If it’s going in every day and destroying him, then that’s what I have to do. That’s what I expected last year; Morgan Moses strapped me up every play.”

Young noted he would be there for Cosmi after practice to answer questions, but the best way to prepare him for the NFL was to give him his best on every play.

Young is a consummate leader. He is not only an elite talent, but he has a strong work ethic and is always there to encourage his teammates — no matter their place on the roster.

As for Cosmi, there is no better preparation for life in the NFL than going against Young and Montez Sweat in practice each day.

Washington rookie Samuel Cosmi has a golden opportunity with Cornelius Lucas out

Cornelius Lucas begins training camp on reserve/COVID-19 list. This could be an opportunity for Samuel Cosmi.

The Washington Football Team reported to Richmond for the beginning of training camp on Tuesday. The team made several roster moves before practice begins on Wednesday.

One of those moves was presumed starting right tackle Cornelius Lucas beginning camp on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

While that’s bad news for the veteran Lucas, it is potentially big news for second-round pick Samuel Cosmi.

The 6-foot-6, 309-pound rookie ran with the second team at right tackle during the spring, while Lucas was with the first team. Coaches always expected the two to compete in training camp, with Lucas going in as the starter.

During his time at Texas, Cosmi played right tackle before transitioning over to left tackle. Some believe that’s the plan with Washington. But, for now, Cosmi must earn the right tackle position.

It’s not known how long Lucas will be out. Hopefully, it’s just a few days. But those few days could be huge for Cosmi. He can show coaches he can hold his own against Washington’s outstanding edge rushers in practice. If he can do that, the job could be his to lose.

Lucas played well last season at left tackle. Was he a star? No. However, he wasn’t nearly as bad as some in the fan base insinuated. Lucas deserves an opportunity to start. Unfortunately, a prolonged absence could be all that Cosmi needs to get ahead of Lucas to start at right tackle.

Regardless of who wins the job, Washington will enter 2021 with terrific depth at offensive tackle.

 

 

Bleacher Report says Charles Leno could be a disappointment in 2021

Washington signed veteran offensive tackle Charles Leno last month because it felt like he was a solid upgrade for 2021. Bleacher Report isn’t so sure.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://washingtonfootballwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

The Washington Football Team made several big moves this offseason. One area of focus was the offensive line.

The Football Team improved the skill positions in the early part of free agency by signing quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries.

However, just before the 2021 NFL draft, Washington acquired veteran guard Ereck Flowers. Flowers started at left guard in 2019 for Washington before signing with the Miami Dolphins. He will compete with Wes Schweitzer to start at left guard in 2021.

In the draft, Washington chose Texas offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi in the second round. Not long after the draft, the WFT struck again, signing recently released former Pro Bowl offensive tackle, Charles Leno.

So, with all of those moves, Washington surprisingly released longtime starter Morgan Moses and former third-round pick, Geron Christian.

In minicamp, last year’s starter at left tackle, Cornelius Lucas, was with the first team at right tackle while Leno was the first-team left tackle. Cosmi ran with the second team at right tackle.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report doesn’t necessarily believe Leno will be an upgrade for Washington over Lucas in 2021:

This offseason, the Washington Football Team signed left tackle Charles Leno Jr. to a one-year, $4 million deal. While Washington doesn’t appear to view Leno as a long-term replacement for Trent Williams—who was traded in 2020—it is high on the former Bears starter.

“They’re both very good players, they were good players for us and they’ll continue to be good players in the league,” coach Ron Rivera said of Leno and rookie Samuel Cosmi, per Ryan Homler of NBC Sports Washington.

Good may be the absolute best the Football Team can hope for from Leno. While he was a Pro Bowler back in 2018, he was below-average in 2020. According to Pro Football Focus, Leno was responsible for six penalties and five sacks surrendered.

Offensive-line play will be critical for Washington this season, as it will rely on 38-year-old journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback. Relying on Leno to protect Fitzpatrick’s blind side could end in disappointment.

Washington will absolutely be thrilled if “good” is what it gets from Leno in 2021. Offensive line coach John Matsko is one of the best in the NFL, and head coach Ron Rivera certainly believes he will help Leno recapture his previous form from 2018 when he was selected to the Pro Bowl.