The popular saying is it’s not what you know, but who you know. Sometimes connections can mean so much in professional sports. Especially when it comes to the draft. People thought Tom Coughlin was crazy for taking Chris Snee in the 2nd round back in 2004. Why was he so confident? Maybe because Snee was his son-in-law and he had a pretty good idea of how he could play. The guy became a four-time Pro Bowler. Connections can really matter this time of year. Do the Chicago Bears have any to speak of?
A few as it turns out, but one of the most intriguing has to be the one they have with Samuel Cosmi. For those who don’t know him, here’s a quick explanation. Cosmi has been the starting left tackle at the University of Texas for the past three years. During that time he developed a reputation for being one of the most athletic tackles in college football. Something that shows up regularly on tape.
He has the look of somebody who can be a longtime fixture on the blindside.
What makes his name more interesting from the Bears’ perspective is who they hired this offseason. Former Texas head coach Tom Herman. He was the man who personally developed Cosmi since he became a starter in 2018. Herman knows everything there is to know about the kid. What he can and can’t do. This sort of inside knowledge could prove vital when the draft kicks off later this month.
Opinions on him vary through the draft community. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com loves his size and athleticism but has questions about his overly mechanical playing style as well as a general lack of fire in his finishes. Jordan Reid of The Draft Network says he lacks overall play strength and tends to lean too heavily on his athleticism. Savvy pass rushers should be able to have their way with him.
Chicago Bears may be able to get him on Day 2
The offensive tackle class this year is considered deeper than normal. Teams who might not be able to get somebody in the 1st round should be able to grab a talent they like in the 2nd and even 3rd rounds. Most have Cosmi nestled in with those Day 2 prospects. Somebody with considerable upside but still needs some work before he’s truly ready to be a starter in the NFL.
His primary issues center on getting stronger and cleaning up his inconsistent technique. Right now Cosmi is around 314 lbs. That may seem heavy, but considering he is around 6’7? That is actually light. It would be best for him to add around 15-20 lbs of muscle mass in order to get the strength required. As for the technical issues? Juan Castillo proved last year he can coach up an offensive line.
He’ll know exactly what to do with him.
The Chicago Bears would be smart to make Cosmi their target in this draft. They have no long-term option at either tackle spot right now. Both Charles Leno Jr. and Germain Ifedi are playing on one-year deals at this point. Making such a pick would give them some much-needed flexibility beyond 2021.