2022 NFL Draft Profile: OT Charles Cross

Mississippi State left tackle Charles Cross projects to be one of the top offensive lineman taken in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft. The Laurel, Mississippi native was a five-star recruit out of high school. After redshirting his true freshman year, Cross started 10 games in his redshirt freshman season and earned a spot on the SEC’s All-Freshman team. As a sophomore this past season, Cross allowed just two sacks and 14 quarterback hurries on a whopping 719 pass-blocking snaps. He received first-team All-SEC honors and was awarded the Kent Hull Trophy as the best offensive lineman in Mississippi.

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Strengths

Patience in Pass Protection: Playing in head coach Mike Leach’s pass-heavy offense, Cross was relied upon to pass protect one-on-one on nearly every snap. His miniscule pressure statistics are a testament to how consistent he was in such situations. Cross uses a methodical, measured kickslide when dropping into his pass sets, rarely putting himself out of position. He plays at his own pace, only speeding up his feet when necessary to stay in phase with defenders trying to get around him.

Cross has tremendous balance to re-anchor and recover when defenders get into his chest or knock him off his spot. He has good length to hold pass rushers at bay, or ride them around the arc should they try an outside move on him. Overall, Cross possesses nearly all the traits and demonstrated technique to be a solid pass protector at the next level.

Mobility in the Run Game: Cross uses his fluid athleticism to great effect in the run game. There’s not a place on the field he can’t reach to execute a block. He does a great job of crossing the face of defenders to seal the edge on stretch or zone run plays. Cross can excel in more traditional downhill schemes as well. He’s very good at coming off double teams to locate linebackers at the second level. He comes off the ball quickly, and is usually strong and decisive in executing his assignments.

Weaknesses

Inconsistent Hand Usage/Technique: Cross’ patience is typically a virtue, but sometimes his lack of aggression can backfire. Cross is a “catcher” rather than a “puncher”, meaning he usually absorbs the first blow of the rusher rather than delivering the first blow. This can often put him on his heels, forcing him to re-anchor and recover. At the college level, this has been fine, as Cross’ elite balance and athleticism means he can recover most of the time. In the NFL, though, this could lead to him being susceptible to the league’s bevy of good bull rushers. He also has a bad habit of keeping his hands too wide and elbows flaired, which can leave his chest exposed. He’ll also sometimes open his hips too early in pass sets, which can expose the outside rushing lane against speed rushers.

Functional Strength: Cross isn’t what you’d call a bully in the run game. He usually stands his ground at the point of attack, but he rarely creates movement or push. In pass protection, he’s not the type to completely elimate a defender. He almost always holds up long enough for the ball to get out, but can give up pressure late in the down if the quarterback needs to hold the ball longer than expected. He also doesn’t possess the “nasty streak” that many look for in their offensive lineman.

Ideal Role

Starting Left Tackle in Wide Zone Scheme: Cross has the tools to be a starting tackle in any offense. Putting him in a Shanahan-tree offense would be a match made in heaven. His mobility and athleticism is ideal for the type of stretch runs which are a staple of your classic wide zone scheme. He’s also plenty capable of holding up in protection on the long-developing play-action passes that such an offense typically dials up. If your favorite team doesn’t run a Shanahan offense, don’t cross him off your board. Cross has the talent to excel in any situation.

Potential Fits

There appear to be some disparate views on Cross in the draft community. He’s been projected anywhere from a top-five pick to a late first-rounder. If he goes in the top-ten, look for the New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, or Atlanta Falcons, all of whom could really use tackle help, to snap him up. If he falls down the board a little bit, the New Orleans Saints (assuming they lose Terron Armstead in free agency), Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders are all logical landing spots.
– Ryan Cuneo is the Managing Editor of Full Press Giants. He covers the New York Giants. Like and follow on Follow @ryan_cuneo Follow @FullPressGiants and Facebook.