The Chicago Bears offseason conversations have been utterly dominated by the quarterbacks so far. As if this is a shock to anybody. Until that position is figured out, nothing else really matters. Who will it be? Carson Wentz? Derek Carr? Deshaun Watson? Gardner Minshew? Marcus Mariota? The list of possibilities is long. Still, even after the Bears finally do make a move at quarterback, that won’t be the end of their problems on offense they must fix.
Some would even argue that the offensive line takes even greater importance. Especially after watching the clinic the Buccaneers put on in the Super Bowl against Kansas City’s overmatched front. The Bears don’t really have anybody on their offensive line one could call great. Maybe one or two are good such as James Daniels and Cody Whitehair. Beyond them, it’s some okay and mostly bad. They’ve neglected the front for too long.
Is that about to change?
A source informed SM that the Bears are quietly doing a ton of serious work on the 2021 offensive line class. One name that seems to have their attention up to this point is Texas left tackle Samuel Cosmi. Draft experts agree the tackle class this year is one of the more talented in recent memory. This would explain why Cosmi is seen as a possible 2nd round option despite his obvious upside.
The kid is 6’7 and 300 lbs and a freak athlete for his size. His tape shows an ability to hang with any pass rusher and he absolutely loves dishing out punishment, often seeking the pancake block at every opportunity. That is the sort of talent and attitude that has been missing from Bears blockers for some time.
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Samuel Cosmi (Texas LT 52) is one violent dude. I love it. pic.twitter.com/yHJ6JVq1Wx
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) February 9, 2021
Came away with a Taylor Decker comp. for #Texas OT Samuel Cosmi.
Another example of an athletic OT that needs some seasoning. Has some aggressiveness in him, but needs to gain strength and refine some things in his lower half.pic.twitter.com/tZML85lT1L
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) December 23, 2020
Watch Samuel Cosmi (OT – Texas) on this play.
Play to the whistle and take your man out of the play. pic.twitter.com/7W8BF8ZN33
— Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) January 19, 2021
Chicago Bears tend to target prospects with immense upside
Cosmi fits that bill. None of his issues are from a physical standpoint. When he’s on his game, he has the ability to dominate defenders. The issues come from a fundamental standpoint. The big left tackle has typical issues for a college tackle. His hand technique is a bit sloppy and he’s inconsistent with his pad level, allowing pass rushers into his frame too often. These are the sort of issues the Bears hired Juan Castillo to correct. Cosmi is the exact sort of challenge he loves.
GM Ryan Pace has some interesting decisions to make on the offensive line this offseason. Both tackles could end up being cap casualties as Charles Leno and Bobby Massie have rather expensive contracts. Never mind that both have them have been pretty average since 2018. The Chicago Bears need fresh blood up front. Cosmi isn’t the most polished prospect but his talent is undeniable.
Landing him in the 2nd round would be a steal.
It’s fair to believe he isn’t the only blocker they have their eyes on too. There will be others. What it comes down to is how many picks they have to utilize. Right now they possess three in the first three rounds. Could they end up losing one of them in a trade for a quarterback? Maybe. That could end up altering their priorities. Either way, it is nice to see the Bears know there is a problem and are planning to address it.