Seattle Seahawks draft their left tackle of the future
Chris Phillips
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On Day 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks got their left tackle of the future, Charles Cross.
The pick is in for the Seattle Seahawks. With the ninth pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select offensive tackle Charles Cross from the Mississippi State Bulldogs. This might end the thought about Duane Brown returning as the starting left tackle.
Coming in at 6’5” 305-pounds this big boy played in arguably the toughest conference in college. A three-year starter at MSU, Cross got better every year. He’s one of the top tackles in this class and one of the players scouts say can come in and start right away in the NFL.
Cross looks to punish his opponent every play, whether in pass protection or as a mauler in the ground game. Despite his lean frame, he’s powerful and displays a decent anchor in pass protection… Cross possesses an elite athletic profile at the offensive line position. He’s explosive out of his snap, and he possesses both the quick footwork and lateral agility to get effortlessly into his pass sets. His athleticism is superbly demonstrated against agile pass rushers as he is able to mirror and redirect with zero athletic limitations. When wrong-footed, he’s able to recover. – Oliver Hodgkinson Pro Football Network.
The Seattle Seahawks have been actively looking for a new left tackle. The trade for Duane Brown in 2017 was a good move that they had to make to improve the organization and keep them in the division title picture. By taking Cross, the Seahawks turn the page and are set at left tackle for the foreseeable future.
This also works out well for their overall plan and direction. Hopes for the Seahawks aren’t very high in 2022. Seattle is building their foundation up front and setting themselves up well for the future. If they draft a quarterback later in the draft or next season, he’ll have a blindside protector.
Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
6’5″ 307-pounds, 34.5″ arms, and 10.75″ hands. 4.95 40-yards dash, 7.88 3-cone drill, 26″ vertical jump.
An efficient blocker, Cross uses his core, legs, and upper body to handle his man in the run. He also uses those skills and outstanding length to force rushers outside during pass plays. For a guy who only started two years in college, his handwork is exceptional. Whether it’s chopping away a pass rusher’s hands or delivering sharp, strong thrusts to their upper bodies, Cross is physically dominating.
Who the Seattle Seahawks take with their second pick is anyone’s guess. Hopefully, they will select either the top corner or edge rusher available. Those are the other top two needs, not counting quarterback.
The Seahawks got themselves an elite pass protector!! Charles Cross has outstanding balance and strike power! pic.twitter.com/RHMa2Nu37S
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) April 29, 2022
The Seattle Seahawks 2022 draft is off to a great start. A new era of football is just beginning in the Pacific Northwest. Get excited 12’s!