Texas OT Samuel Cosmi Impresses at Pro Day; Hasn’t Met With Steelers

With no NFL Combine this season, some prospects were left salivating for their talents to be displayed at their pro day. One of those guys was Texas OT Samuel Cosmi, who put on a display of athleticism that was at the top of this year’s tackle class.

“I’m sad the Combine wasn’t a thing this year because people would’ve seen how freakish and explosive he is,” teammate pass rusher Joseph Ossai said of Cosmi.

Cosmi’s day was an impressive one. Among his highlights were 36 reps on the bench showcasing his strength, and a 4.84 40-yard dash. While the 40 itself does not matter that much compared to the 10-yard split, an estimated 10-yard split given that time is 1.68, which is in the 99th percentile for an offensive lineman.

“I was fired up,” Cosmi said of his pro day results. “The 36 reps of bench was something that I didn’t quite know I could do. I was so happy about the 4.84 40. It was something that’s been on my mind, that I’ve been chasing after.”

One of the things that Cosmi drove home during the press conference was his versatility and willingness to do whatever was asked of him from any NFL team, including moving sides or playing guard.

“Being able to play multiple spots is very important,” Cosmi said. “Me being able to play right and left tackle or guard, be comfortable at both positions, in stances, is something that is very, very important to me.”

Cosmi’s grown each year on the field in terms of polish. His strength, hand usage, and footwork are steadily improving along with his tools. One of those key tools Cosmi added was a snatch-trap move, which he says has been beneficial to him.

“That’s something that helps me against guys with long arms that use the long arm technique,” Cosmi said. “I try to hit right before they get to my chest so that momentum goes down. It was a technique I really tried to perfect during practice.”

This offseason, Cosmi has worked with former 49ers Pro Bowl Tackle Joe Staley on a daily basis to help improve his game. Cosmi says it has helped him a ton.

“He’s a very explosive and efficient guy,” Cosmi said. He’s a guy that’s so detailed when it comes to his technique.”

Despite the great day, Cosmi says that the truth about his game is told on the tape he has already put out.

“Showing my explosiveness, my consistency in pass protection, and my mean streak on tape is very important to me,” Cosmi said. “Looking back at this year, film is everything.

In order to distinguish himself outside of film, however, Cosmi is hoping his character and work ethic will show through to prospective teams.

“One of the things is being as honest and as raw as possible with my personality,” Cosmi said. “I’m one of the most hard-working guys on the field and off the field.”

Cosmi has not met with the Steelers just yet in the process, but he does expect to have contact with all teams at some point in the process. The Steelers were on hand at Texas’ Pro Day, although it was not clear in what capacity. Mike Tomlin, Kevin Colbert, and Matt Canada were at Clemson’s Pro Day, so it is clear that none of the ‘big fish’ were there for Pittsburgh.