Baptism by Fire - Rookie Sam Cosmi Should be Given the Chance to Win the Right Tackle Spot in 2021

The transformation has begun!

Rookie Samuel Cosmi, who many feel is a bit raw to immediately start at left tackle as Ryan Fitzpatrick’s blind-side protector as a rookie, may indeed get his shot to start - however that is likely to be on the right side in place of the soon-to-be departed Morgan Moses.

As ESPN’s John Keim reported earlier in the week, Ron Rivera and company didn’t draft an offensive tackle in round two to sit...

With Leno Jr. expected to slot into left tackle, Cosmi may go the Lane Johnson (my comp for Cosmi coming into the draft), route, and start his career on the right side. It was reported throughout the draft process that the mammoth University of Texas tackle, who is an athletic freak at the position, could play either spot in the NFL, and it looks like that was Washington’s idea too.

With Leno Jr. signing on to presumptively take over left tackle duties, and Cosmi reported to be given the opportunity to lock down the right side, the battle for swing tackle will come down to last year’s opening day starter Geron Christian, and veterans Cornelius Lucas and David Sharpe. Second year pro Saahdiq Charles could also be in the mix at both tackle and guard.

Heading into the 2021 offseason, many, including Keim, reported the Football Team was adamant about upgrading at offensive tackle, AND UPGRADE THEY DID - so much so, that they are now moving on from long-time starting right tackle Morgan Moses.

Now, part of this move may have been to get cheaper and more athletic on the edges. Both Cosmi and Leno Jr. are exceptional athletes. Unlike Moses, Christian and Lucas - all who have heavy feet and show waist-bending tendencies, the former have the ability to mirror quicker EDGE rushers, and may even adapt better schematically to the more vertical attack offensive coordinator Scott Turner is likely to deploy this season; which would require the offensive line to hold their blocks a bit longer to take more downfield shots. Bill Horgan wrote about this is his article yesterday.

This line may also need a bit more NASTY in the run game, where they struggled last season. Leno tends to be a bit better in pass protection, but his low leverage allows him to get under the pad level of defenders and move them in the outside zone scheme that Washington is expected to use. On the right side, Cosmi is know to be a FINISHER with an attitude, and his athleticism and strength (36 reps at 225), should help him with reach blocks vital to the zone scheme. Inside, we have two maulers in Flowers and Scherff, to go along with stalwart Chase Roullier - who excels at getting to the second level.

Potential Offensive Line Two-Deep:

LT - Charles Leno Jr./Saahdiq Charles

LG - Ereck Flowers/Saahdiq Charles

C - Chase Roullier/Wes Schweitzer

RG - Brandon Scherff/Wes Schweitzer

RT - Sam Cosmi/Cornelius Lucas