As we look toward the 2023 regular season, we count down the most important players for the Washington Commanders ahead of training camp. On Saturday, No. 19 was wide receiver Curtis Samuel.
We continue our countdown today with No. 18, right tackle Andrew Wylie.
The Commanders signed Wylie in free agency with the intention of him taking over as the new starting right tackle. As a result of Wylie’s signing, Washington moved former right tackle Sam Cosmi to right guard with the hope of improving two positions with one signing.
Wylie spent the past five years with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he would appear in 71 games with 59 starts. Wylie started at right and left guard before becoming the right tackle in 2021.
Cosmi struggled with injuries and consistency over the past two seasons. An outstanding run blocker, Cosmi sometimes struggled in pass protection. While Wylie isn’t viewed as an elite left tackle, he was outstanding at right tackle for the Chiefs throughout the playoffs and in the Super Bowl against the Eagles.
Wylie’s experience in new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s offense should mean a seamless transition to Washington. Wylie is athletic enough to pull and block downfield. The Commanders plan to use screen passes more in the offense, and a right side of the line with Wylie and Cosmi will be plenty athletic.
Washington must stay healthy on the offensive line for young quarterback Sam Howell to have a chance. In the Week 18 win over the Cowboys, Howell had bodies in his face and around his feet all game, yet stood tall in the pocket and played well. However, that can’t hold up for a 17-game season.
The Commanders are counting on Wylie to bring stability and leadership to a unit that was below average in 2022.
