The Washington Commanders have high hopes for Sam Cosmi in 2023. Washington selected Cosmi in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. Cosmi was an immediate starter at right tackle, but injuries impacted his rookie season.
In 2022, Cosmi again began the season at right tackle until another injury cost him three games, allowing veteran Cornelius Lucas to take over at right tackle. When Cosmi returned, he played his old position at right tackle and also played some guard.
Washington liked what it saw from Cosmi and moved him to right guard this offseason. By signing Andrew Wylie in free agency to play right tackle and moving Cosmi to right guard, the Commanders believe they’ve improved two positions.
Perhaps the best people to determine Cosmi’s progress early in his move to a new position are those competing against him daily.
Pro Bowl defensive tackle Daron Payne is accustomed to seeing Cosmi on the outside, so Cosmi moving inside to guard has given Payne some new looks.
“Right now, for me, it is different just seeing Sam Cosmi at right guard,” Payne said when asked how the offensive line was helping prepare him for the season.
“He’s one of those guys that’s pretty quick and agile, so I don’t know. It’s hard to do kind of some of the things that I like to do against him, but I know we all are just gonna make each other better, and we’re just gonna keep pushing each other throughout the whole camp.”
Payne’s words were encouraging. Payne is one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles, coming off a career season, and said Cosmi has presented some challenges for him early this summer.
While Payne didn’t say Cosmi was an All-Pro guard, he offered praise when answering a question. So clearly, he’s impressed with Cosmi.
The 2023 season is a make-or-break one for Cosmi. If he can lock down the right guard position, he could earn an extension next offseason. Otherwise, he’ll be playing in the final season of his rookie contract in 2024.
Cosmi is extremely athletic for his size and has proven to be a valuable run blocker. Washington hopes moving him inside will help him in pass protection.