26 Jun Preseason Scouting Notes: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
Redshirt Junior | 6’7” 310 lbs | Humble, Texas | February 16, 1999
A large-framed tackle with zone instincts, iron clamps for hands, and a desire to finish blocks
Overview:
Samuel Cosmi has played in all 27 games for the Texas Longhorns since redshirting his freshman year, starting 26 of them at left tackle. Cosmi will be leading the charge up front as the Longhorns look to bounce back from what was a disappointing 8-5 season, especially after being declared officially “back” on New Years Day. In 2019 he earned Second-Team All-Big 12 and was honorable mention Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year. Named preseason first team All-Big 12 headed into 2020, Cosmi has some draft buzz surrounding him as he looks to conclude his college career on a high note.
Strengths:
– Punch accuracy. Strikes opponent’s chest plate with power
– Kung fu grip. Once he latches on he doesn’t let go in run game
– Zone blocking instincts. Walls off defenders and keeps lanes open
– Athletic enough to recover and save the block after a misstep
– Picks up stunts well in pass protection
– Continuously looks for work
– Wants to finish blocks to the ground
Areas To Improve:
– Struggles against power moves and bull rush
– Footwork can get sloppy at times, causing his feet to get narrow
– Tendency to bend at the waist instead of the knees
– Occasionally turns hips during pass set, opening himself up to counter moves
– Plays with a high pad level
– Can let his hands drift outside of defender’s frames while pass blocking after initial contact
– Needs to be quicker off the ball
Injury Concerns:
N/A
Projection:
Cosmi has the tools to be a solid piece at the NFL level. He fits best on the right side due to the amount of improvement needed in his pass blocking, but he could play on the blind side if absolutely necessary. He is still a little bit raw at the tackle position, but he has immense athletic upside with a frame that can support additional weight. More game reps in 2020 should only help him get more comfortable at the position and provide more opportunities to address his weaknesses. He has late Day 1 upside, but will more than likely get picked up some time on Day 2.
What To Watch In 2020:
Cosmi will need to show improvements in technique in 2020. He needs to work on keeping his pad level low consistently, and must address where he bends in his lower body while doing so. This should help him generate more movement and push against opposing lineman. Increasing his hand discipline by keeping his paws inside his opponent’s frame is another small detail to watch. Cosmi has the upside the NFL is looking for, he just needs to address the small intricacies of the position to increase his stock for 2021.
- Played 4 years of college football as a Defensive Tackle and Long Snapper at Division 3 Rhodes College.
- Experience in data collection/analysis/scouting for both Football and Baseball.
- Georgia native and firm believer that Georgia sports teams are cursed.