2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT

STARKVILLE, MS - JULY 22, 2020 - Mississippi State Offensive Lineman Charles Cross (#67) headshot taken during 2020 Football Production Days in the Palmeiro Center at Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS. Photo By Mitch Phillips

Film Watched: Alabama 2021, LSU 2021, Texas A&M 2021

Pro's:

  • Well built torso with good muscle mass and little in the way of wasted weight
  • Elite agility; explosive out of his stance and quick to the top of his pass-set
  • Has the speed to match edge rushers and guide them wide
  • Has the quicks and arm strength to mirror rushers and match their pass rush moves
  • Vice-like grip when he gets his hands inside and finds the jersey
  • Excellent timing with footwork and arm extension to engage
  • Able to reset his hands when they miss the desired target
  • 100% effort as a run blocker

Con's:

  • Leaner than your prototypical NFL offensive tackle
  • Core body strength might be exposed at the next level
  • Anchor challenged by bull rushers
  • Does give up pocket ground when attacked by more physical opponents
  • Liable to get a little grabby when run blocking if he’s being defeated with power

The Verdict:

“A highly intuitive, athletic offensive tackle, Charles Cross became a mainstay on the blindside for Mississippi State in their wide zone offense. Playing in such space allowed Cross to demonstrate his elite speed and agility, which are arguably unmatched in this position group. In pass protection, Cross isn’t far from the perfect prospect; he gets out to his landmark quickly, engages the pass rusher on his terms and marshalls them around and away from the football with alarming consistency. Cross’ biggest challenge is competing against raw power, and with the step up to bigger and stronger opponents could find the acclimation a little difficult. With any added mass likely to impact his athleticism, it’s probably something teams will have to live with, but there’s no doubt he’s a blue chip prospect.”
Mock Draft
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content

PREDICTION: TOP 20 PICK

Mock Draft

SIMON CARROLL

HEAD OF CFB/NFL DRAFT CONTENT

PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN COVERING COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND THE NFL DRAFT SINCE 2009. BASED IN MANCHESTER, SIMON IS ALSO CO-CREATOR & WEEKLY GUEST OF THE COLLAPSING POCKET PODCAST.

5/5