There's always going to be an expected learning curve entering the NFL ranks for rookie offensive tackles like Washington's second-round draft pick Sam Cosmi.
But with a veteran group providing invaluable mentorship and a menacing defensive line to get acclimated, Cosmi has inserted himself into the starting right tackle spot in the first depth chart the Burgundy and Gold released.
Though Cosmi still has to do his rookie tasks like picking up snacks for the team after practice, he's not allowing himself to fall victim to having any classic "welcome to the big leagues" rookie moments.
"That's definitely in the rearview right now," Cosmi told NBC Sports Washington insider JP Finlay on the latest Washington Football Talk podcast. "I got to focus in and and be locked in. I'm not really treating myself as a rookie just because I've got to be focused on gamedays and stuff like that. There's no excuses of 'Oh I'm a rookie' or this that and the other. I'm a pro, so I always got to be a pro."
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Since releasing long-time veteran right tackle Morgan Moses, the prevailing notion was that Washington spending a second-rounder on Cosmi showed a level of faith that he could contribute right away. For some, that pressure of expectation wouldn't yield the best results.
For Cosmi, who was named the starter on the team's first unofficial depth chart released Monday, it's only helped him put his head down and work even harder.
"I can get better each and every day. Focusing on my technique, focusing on the little things...You can never stop getting better," Cosmi said.
Of course, it's hard to not keep getting better with the kind of star power Cosmi has to suit up against during practice. Trying to stop the sheer power that last season's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young and leading sack-getter Montez Sweat play with can only force Cosmi to bring his A-game each day.
Just read this excerpt from Peter Hailey's WFT camp notes from Sunday:
- Sam Cosmi faced Chase Young twice in early 1-on-1 O-line vs. D-line reps and he clearly won both times. Once, Young rushed from a four-point stance and in the other rep he tried to get through Cosmi from a standing position. Cosmi will need to stack more efforts like that before being fully trusted with the starting right tackle gig, but it was an encouraging couple of minutes for the rookie, who hasn't always been able to withstand Young (of course, he's not alone on that boat).
RELATED: Three reactions to Washington's first unofficial depth chart of 2021
"It's been great. Being able to go up against a guy like that it just prepares me for gamedays," Cosmi, a 6-foot-6, 309-pound University of Texas product, said. "High level competition, you know, iron sharpens iron. I'm really happy to go up against him and Montez."
While practicing in front of fans at FedEx Field got Cosmi excited and pumped for the season to come, there's something that may get Cosmi's juices flowing even more: The prospect of protecting No. 14 - veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
"Oh, I love blocking for Fitz. Fitz is a great guy, great QB," Cosmi said. "It's what his 17th year he's going on? It's crazy, but you can see how comfortable he is in the pocket, how he steps up and it's amazing being able to block for a guy like that."
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August 06, 2021 at 02:00PM
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Washington right tackle Sam Cosmi: 'not really treating myself as a rookie' - NBC Sports
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