As we look toward the 2023 regular season, we count down the most important players for the Washington Commanders ahead of training camp. On Monday, No. 17 was cornerback Benjamin St-Juste.
We continue our countdown today with No. 16, right guard Sam Cosmi.
During the first three drafts in charge of Washington, head coach Ron Rivera spent only one pick on an offensive lineman in the first three rounds. That was in 2021 when the Commanders selected Texas offensive tackle Sam Cosmi.
Washington did select Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg in the third round in the 2023 NFL draft.
So when you look at the downfall of Washington’s offensive line issues, Rivera’s lack of serious investment has played a significant role. Consider that Rivera had Trent Williams and Brandon Scherff when he took over. He traded the disgruntled Williams, and Scherff departed in free agency after 2021.
Back to Cosmi. Washington liked Cosmi so much that it released longtime starter Morgan Moses after the 2021 draft. Cosmi was the new starting right tackle. He had a rough summer against Chase Young and Montez Sweat but improved daily. There were encouraging signs.
Unfortunately for Cosmi, injuries struck. Two different injuries — an ankle and a hip — cost Cosmi eight games. In 2022, he missed three games and was replaced by veteran Cornelius Lucas. Cosmi and Lucas spent some time alternating at right tackle, and the Commanders experimented with Cosmi at guard.
This offseason, Washington made Cosmi’s move to guard a permanent one. And there’s reason to believe Cosmi can be an excellent guard. He has excellent size and athleticism and can move, making him perfect in new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s offense.
But he needs to stay healthy. Cosmi is a downright dominant run blocker at times. However, he has struggled in pass protection at times. That is less of an issue at guard, as Cosmi isn’t on an island.
Washington needs Cosmi to succeed. And Cosmi needs to succeed if he wants a long-term future with the Commanders. Cosmi securing the right guard position for the foreseeable future would be a positive development for the franchise.
