Hogs Haven
Editor’s note: We’ll count down the top 10 Commanders players on the 2026 roster regardless of position sporadically over the next few weeks. Before we get to it, here’s how we arrived at the ranking: Our Scott Bair, Scott Jennings and Mark Tyler compiled a top 13 – no ranking was identical — with points assigned to each ranking slot from all three lists. We used these point values to form a consensus top 10 ranking. We’ll write a story on each member of the top 10 and another on others receiving votes at the end. Plus, Mark will probably have a Tyler’s Take with his thoughts. You’ll surely object to some of these rankings, though debate is kind of the point with lists like this. Today we focus on No. 7:
Protecting Jayden Daniels by improving the offensive line has been a priority for general manager Adam Peters. The Commanders invested a lot of resources into the OL, and that included locking up one of their own early.
Our top 10: Leo Chenal | Chig Okonwko | Nick Cross
Sam Cosmi was a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, starting his career at right tackle. After an injury during his second season, Cosmi started playing right guard, and has been at the position ever since. He was one of former head coach/general manager Ron Rivera’s successful draft picks, and he was the first big-money extension that Peters gave out after he got the job in 2024.
There was a wide range for Sam Cosmi, with him not appearing on one of the ranker’s lists. That’s why he’s at No. 7, which, honestly, might be too low. Cosmi is a key part of the Commanders line, and he strengthens everyone around him when he is healthy and playing. He has been a Pro Bowl-level guard, and at only 27, still has years to play for the Commanders.
Cosmi has been a fixture on the offensive line, and his presence was missed at the beginning and end of last season. He has worked with veterans and young players, and he’s been a positive influence on rookie right tackle Josh Conerly. Cosmi started out as a right tackle himself, and has had good communication with them since sliding over to guard. He hasn’t been voted to a Pro Bowl yet, but his play this season could get him his first.
