NFL Draft: Commanders Veteran OT Moves Inside Following First-Round Mock Selection

Versatility is big in today's NFL and if the first round of the NFL Draft goes the way one analyst sees it, the Washington Commanders will have plenty on the offensive line.

We've discussed the possibility - even the likelihood - that Washington Commanders offensive lineman Sam Cosmi moves inside to guard full-time following the signing of offensive tackle Andrew Wylie. 

The truth of the matter is the Commanders could decide to move either Cosmi or Wylie to one of the guard positions and keep the other at tackle. 

Both men possess the ability and have experience doing both which gives Washington position versatility up front that so many teams covet in today's NFL. 

And they could get even more by selecting Ohio State Buckeyes offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. in the first round of the NFL Draft, just like NFL.com predicts they will in their latest mock draft. 

"The Commanders can use Johnson at either tackle position or guard early on," writes NFL.com. "But he's ultimately going to be drafted to hold down the left tackle spot in the future."

This pick brings up a scenario that hasn't been discussed nearly as often as Cosmi becoming a full-time guard. 

And that's the possibility that both Cosmi and Wylie become guards for the Commanders this season.

Of course, that's something Wylie has been prepared for since he signed with the team early this offseason.

"Anything it needs to be," Wylie said when asked what he expected his role to be on Washington's offensive line. "Anywhere on the offensive line...I do know this offense quite well."

When asked further if he was specifically expecting to play guard or tackle, his response was simple.

"I'll do anything they want me to do here," Wylie said.

While NFL.com says Johnson could actually shift inside as well, if he's expected to be the future left tackle of the team then expectations would be he'd at least start at right tackle in his rookie season. 

If he plays well enough early on, perhaps veteran left tackle Charles Leno Jr. could even be moved to the right side in favor of the young tackle.

Considering Leno was the Commanders' top-graded pass protector last season, however, the team may look to stabilize that position for the coming year rather than create a complete overhaul of the unit.

It's clear this team is going to have anywhere from two to five new starting offensive linemen next season, even if two or more of them are returning starters playing new positions. 

Having the flexibility to move linemen around as needed is valuable for Washington, even if it creates a little projection confusion for all of us watching.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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