The Colts need to find the future replacement for Anthony Castonzo in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Left tackle Anthony Castonzo made it clear during the 2020 offseason that he contemplated retirement or sitting out the 2020 season, but GM Chris Ballard worked out a deal to keep him in Indianapolis through the 2021 season. That said, Castonzo suffered a season-ending injury late in the year, which means there’s more wear and tear on him.
Perhaps it’s time they look for his replacement in the 2021 NFL Draft.
As it stands right now, the Colts will be drafting in the bottom 16, and more than likely around the 20th-25th spot after making the playoffs. The first two rounds will have plenty of offensive tackle talent that could make an immediate impact for the Colts, which would help them cope with moving on from their veteran stalwart.
Given how layered the Colts’ offense is — and it will be even more dynamic once they get a franchise QB — they’ll need someone big, lengthy and agile.
So lets take a look at three offensive tackles the Colts can target this coming April.
3. Texas’ Samuel Cosmi
Mel Kiper Jr. has Samuel Cosmi high on his draft board.
Samuel Cosmi is an extremely versatile player. Texas chose to put the 6-foot-7, 310-pound body at left tackle, and he excelled.
In 2019, Cosmi was one of the best in the nation. Across 594 passing plays, he only allowed 14 pressures and one sack, and averaged 42 passing plays before a pressure. This year, Cosmi has played just as consistently, allowing one pressure on every 46 passing attempts.
Kiper noted that Cosmi has “great feet and bend as a pass protector,” which will certainly translate well against NFL defenses, and has the ability to be a Day 1 starter, which says a lot since he’s not projected to go until the latter half of the first round. Texas had one of the most explosive offenses in the country the last two years, and Sam Ehlinger getting the proper protection had a lot to do with it.
Look for Ballard to target Cosmi if he manages to fall to Indy in the early-to-mid 20s.