The 2022 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Charles Cross 2022 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Offensive Tackle
Size: 6-foot-5, 310 pounds
Class: Redshirt Sophomore
2021 stats: First Team All-SEC
Cross has been a great player for Mississippi State for two seasons. Now, he is one of the premier tackle prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Out of high school, Cross was a five-star recruit who decided to stay in-state to play for the Bulldogs. He played three games as a true freshman in 2019, but ultimately redshirted. As a redshirt freshman in 2020, Cross impressed at left tackle and was named Freshman All-SEC. Mississippi State struggled with a 4-7 record that season. In 2021, Cross progressed and was an All-SEC First Team selection. His play helped the Bulldogs improve to 7-6 with the season-ending with an appearance in the Liberty Bowl.
After two seasons starting at left tackle, Cross decided to declare for the draft. He is currently projected to be a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Cross is a great athlete for a tackle and demonstrates good movement skills. In the running game, he can get to the second level and make blocks on the run. He is adept at pass blocking because he has the lateral mobility to stay in front of athletic edge rushers. Cross has good flexibility and movement, which he uses to his advantage to win his matchups.
He is a very proficient pass blocker. Playing at Mississippi State gave Cross the opportunity to get a lot of reps as a pass blocker. He demonstrated a quick first step in his pass sets, which helped him get an edge up on the play. Cross then uses his length and hands well to control his matchup. His movement ability helps him with his matchups against some of the speedy pass rushers he faces.
His football intelligence is apparent routinely for Cross. During his time at Mississippi State, he demonstrated the ability to recognize and pick up blitzers. He also dealt with stunts and twists well, passing off blockers inside and picking up outside rushers.
Cross isn’t the biggest left tackle in the class. Mississippi State listed him at 310 pounds, but that feels a little inflated. At 6-foot-5, he is big enough to be an NFL tackle, but he will likely be one of the smaller ones in the league.
With his size, Cross also doesn’t show the greatest strength. He doesn’t move people in the running game that well and is better suited for a zone-blocking scheme. Pass rushers who are more power-oriented than speed-oriented can overpower him, as he doesn’t have the ability to anchor that well.
At this point in time, Cross is a much more advanced pass blocker than a run blocker. As mentioned, he doesn’t move defenders in the running game and defenders can shed his blocks with some frequency. He also lunges after defenders in the running game. If he shows better technique and adds strength, he can improve his run blocking.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Make sure to check out our brand new NFL Draft page for more content like the Charles Cross 2022 NFL Draft Profile!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
