ESPN just dropped their definitive Top 10 interior offensive linemen list for the upcoming 2026 season, and the biggest takeaway for the Commanders isn't good: not a single one of their guys made the cut. We're talking zero players on the list, and heck, no honorable mentions either. This is a real gut punch, especially when you consider right guard Sam Cosmi has been their most reliable and dependable interior O-lineman.
The Hard Truth For Washington's O-Line
Look, Sam Cosmi is supposed to be the guy for Washington. He's been their best interior offensive lineman, hands down. He was arguably the best second-round pick Ron Rivera made during his four seasons with the team, which is saying something given Rivera's track record with those first-rounders, like reaching for WR Jahan Dotson with the No. 16 pick in 2022 when Tyler Smith went at No. 24. But even with Cosmi's track record, and the fact he's now fully rehabbed from his ACL tear and surgery, the league's scouts, executives, and coaches didn't throw him a bone. The hope is he *may* have a good enough season in 2026 to finally get some recognition, but for now, they are shut out. It's a different story for Laremy Tunsil, who made the top five offensive tackles list just yesterday, so at least they've got that going for them on the edge.Elite Interior Talent And The Commanders' Costly Misses
This list isn't playing around. We're talking about the absolute best in the league. Tyler Smith from the Dallas Cowboys leads the pack at No. 1, and the Commanders have to face him twice every single season. Then there's Quenton Nelson of the Colts at No. 2, who the Commanders will meet in London on October 4. Kansas City's Creed Humphrey, No. 3, was a nightmare for Washington's defense in 2025, leading all centers in pass block win rate at 98.5 percent. Quinn Meinerz of the Broncos, ranked No. 4, helped his team rack up 402 yards against the Commanders last year with his 75.7 percent run block win rate. Joe Thuney from the Bears, coming in at No. 5, led all guards in pass block win rate last season and was third in run block win rate at 77 percent. Chris Lindstrom of the Falcons, at No. 6, is a player an NFL defensive coach said "doesn't get enough recognition," and Washington will host him on December 20. Trey Smith from the Chiefs, No. 7, allowed zero sacks in 389 pass-block attempts in 2025. And here's where it gets even more painful for the Commanders: they went hard after Tyler Linderbaum, the No. 8 ranked center for the Raiders, in free agency this past March. They got outbid by Vegas, who surprised everyone by resetting the market with a three-year, $81 million deal. Ouch. Peter Skoronski, Titans guard at No. 9, was fourth among guards in pass block win rate at 96.0 percent in 2025, and Aaron Brewer, Dolphins center at No. 10, is called the "most underrated player in the league" by an NFC executive. So, Cosmi's rehab is crucial because the Commanders are staring down a season where they're up against some of the best, and they've got no one on this list.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.