2021 NFL Draft: Grading the Washington Football Team’s first four selections
Washington Football Team Draft Grades: OT Samuel Cosmi, Texas
The Washington Football Team only had one chance to draft tackle that fit their team better than Samuel Cosmi. That would have been Christian Darrisaw had they decided to take him in Round 1.
Instead, Washington waited until Round 2 to address the tackle spot. And boy, did it pay off.
The 2021 NFL Draft class was known to be deep at tackle, but still, it was surprising to see Cosmi at the board at 51. The Texas product had, at times, been mocked as a late first-round pick and has massive size and sky-high upside.
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That’s why I rated him as one of the best tackle fits for Washington a couple of weeks before the draft. Here’s what I wrote about him at that time.
"For the Longhorns, Cosmi flashed at times on tape. He has a decent 6-foot-5, 314-pound frame and has explosive athletic ability. That’s part of why he logged a 9.99 RAS this offseason, the second-highest mark in this draft class behind only Spencer Brown. Cosmi’s best skills come in pass protection. Because of his athletic ability and fluid movement skills, he can keep up with even the best speed rushers. He shows off good quickness getting into his set and is strong at the point of attack. Against the run, Cosmi is solid as well. He has good functional strength and takes good angles to get to blockers downfield. And at the point of attack, Cosmi generates some push and at the very least, tends to stalemate the defenders he latches onto."
Sure, Cosmi isn’t consistent. But the flashes of greatness that he showed on tape showcase that he has higher-end starting potential at the tackle spot. It may take him some time to develop, but Washington gave that to Morgan Moses and he turned out to be a solid starter. With a year to learn, Cosmi could do the same.
Plus, he’s versatile enough to play left or right tackle, so he can fight for the swing tackle role this offseason with Saahdiq Charles.
Nobody would’ve batted an eye if Cosmi was a top-40 pick. Getting him at 51 is a very good value and Washington should be very excited that they were able to land him.