Texas Football: Early predictions for Longhorns in the 2021 NFL Draft
First rounders
Sam Cosmi, Offensive Tackle
Physical tools and player development are finally a notable storyline for projected former Longhorns in the NFL Draft. There will very likely be no better offensive linemen in the 2021 draft class off the Forty Acres than rising redshirt junior and former Freshman All-American honoree Sam Cosmi.
Cosmi has a sizable frame, at 6-foot-7 and 305 pound, that is a good fit at the next level for any offensive tackle. And Cosmi is very mobile, with good footwork, and a motor that never stops no matter if he’s run or pass blocking. He gets down the field quickly, and is smart in picking up different blitzes off the edge. There is already hype growing that Cosmi could go as high as a top 10 pick in the 2021 draft.
Projected Draft Spot: Top 20
Joseph Ossai, Outside Linebacker/Edge Rusher
The physical tools and NFL Combine measurements and drills are going to be very similar between that of former Longhorns defensive end/edge rusher Malcolm Roach and to-be junior linebacker Joseph Ossai. The difference is that Ossai is more proven, multiple, and closes in faster on the ball carrier than Roach did at Texas.
As a good candidate to declare early for the 2021 NFL Draft, the stud outside linebacker Ossai should really be looked at as a projected top 20 pick. Ossai has incredible physical tools, at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, and very impressive production from the 2019 season. He registered 90 total tackles, a team-high 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, two interceptions, one pass deflection, and two forced fumbles.
What Ossai could do as a junior is pretty scary.