Charles Cross!

[jshawaii22]

I have no issue with the choice and there are VERY FEW o-lineman coming out of college that are run proficient. Remember that Cross spent 2 years without "AirRaid" offense, so it's not like he's only done it one way.

Now, let's use those 2 - 2nd round picks on our future right tackle and center/guard. Build the team from the inside out and next year draft the QB when we're drafting in the top 5.

[c_hawkbob]

Charles Cross OL/OT Mississippi St
by Drew Boylhart • January 5, 2022

STRENGTHS
Charles is a smart offensive tackle with the size, arm length, and athleticism to be considered as a potential franchise left tackle for the team that selects him. He uses excellent pass protection techniques and has the lateral agility to protect the blind side of his QB against those speedy edge rushes. Charles is one of the best offensive tackles at the college level that I have seen in picking up stunts and not being fooled into committing penalties. He is patient and works well with his linemates and shows leadership skills through his play on the field. Charles does a good job when run blocking coming off the ball at good pad level, with the aggressiveness needed to finish his blocks. He is an excellent “complete” offensive tackle.

CONCERNS
Charles will have to get stronger in his upper and lower body without it affecting his athleticism. He also will have to be quicker off the snap. His workouts will be very important for teams to decide his draft level.

BOTTOM LINE: 1.48
There is not much film on Charles’s run blocking but what I have seen makes me realize that he is as good a run blocker as he is a pass blocker. Others will be less convinced because they would like to see repetition after repetition to nit-pick him apart. Trust me when I tell you this…the NFL teams do not pay Left Tackles to run block, they pay them to pass block and Charles has the potential to be one of the best. As far as run blocking, he is on par with any offensive tackle coming out so for me, it is not an issue. Charles is one of the few athletic tackles that I have seen coming out that is consistent about using the techniques first and athleticism after, to pass block. Most forget the techniques and try to be more athletic in defeating their opponent and because of that struggle big time up against the more athletic NFL players after they are selected. Charles just has to improve his overall strength and get quicker off the snap to succeed at the next level and I have no doubt he will do both. I’m thinking that Charles might be the first OT taken in this draft, at least for me I’m thinking that way. That being said, for the teams I’m sure it will depend on his workouts, so…let the nitpicking begin.

[RiverDog]

I have no issue with the choice and there are VERY FEW o-lineman coming out of college that are run proficient. Remember that Cross spent 2 years without "AirRaid" offense, so it's not like he's only done it one way.

I would have rather seen Cross spend his first two years under Leach rather than his last two.

Now, let's use those 2 - 2nd round picks on our future right tackle and center/guard. Build the team from the inside out and next year draft the QB when we're drafting in the top 5.

If that's where the BPA is, sure.

One player that might be worth a gamble if he's there when we pick is David Ojabo, an edge rusher from Michigan. He was projected to be a top 10 pick but had an Achilles injury during his pro day that scared a lot of teams away, causing him to slip into the 2nd round. I wouldn't mind taking a shot on him with one of those two 2nd round picks.

[NorthHawk]

I think if we look at our history of drafting OT's it seems it's forced.
By that I mean they've gone into the draft with the intention of getting the best OT on the board.
Okung was a natural pick at that point and was worth the selection, but Carpenter, Ifedi, Britt, and now Cross weren't the best players available at a need.
This year they boxed themselves in by not signing an OT to hedge their bets prior to the draft so they were forced to take him even though other players
with higher ceilings and higher floors were on the board. And that's the crux of their OT selections of the past. There are some high ceilings with the
players they chose but they also had lower floors and I'm concerned Cross falls into this pattern. The other concern is he won't have a seasoned veteran
to show him the tricks of the pro game and how to prepare properly. That could slow his development down.

[NorthHawk]

[quote="c_hawkbob"][quote]Charles Cross OL/OT Mississippi St
by Drew Boylhart • January 5, 2022

STRENGTHS
Charles is a smart offensive tackle with the size, arm length, and athleticism to be considered as a potential franchise left tackle for the team that selects him. He uses excellent pass protection techniques and has the lateral agility to protect the blind side of his QB against those speedy edge rushes. Charles is one of the best offensive tackles at the college level that I have seen in picking up stunts and not being fooled into committing penalties. He is patient and works well with his linemates and shows leadership skills through his play on the field. Charles does a good job when run blocking coming off the ball at good pad level, with the aggressiveness needed to finish his blocks. He is an excellent “complete” offensive tackle.

CONCERNS
Charles will have to get stronger in his upper and lower body without it affecting his athleticism. He also will have to be quicker off the snap. His workouts will be very important for teams to decide his draft level.

BOTTOM LINE: 1.48
There is not much film on Charles’s run blocking but what I have seen makes me realize that he is as good a run blocker as he is a pass blocker. Others will be less convinced because they would like to see repetition after repetition to nit-pick him apart. Trust me when I tell you this…the NFL teams do not pay Left Tackles to run block, they pay them to pass block and Charles has the potential to be one of the best. As far as run blocking, he is on par with any offensive tackle coming out so for me, it is not an issue. Charles is one of the few athletic tackles that I have seen coming out that is consistent about using the techniques first and athleticism after, to pass block. Most forget the techniques and try to be more athletic in defeating their opponent and because of that struggle big time up against the more athletic NFL players after they are selected. Charles just has to improve his overall strength and get quicker off the snap to succeed at the next level and I have no doubt he will do both. I’m thinking that Charles might be the first OT taken in this draft, at least for me I’m thinking that way. That being said, for the teams I’m sure it will depend on his workouts, so…let the nitpicking begin.





This review has him as a boom or bust selection.
https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/4/26/2 ... -ny-giants

Mississippi State’s Charles Cross is an athletic and fluid offensive tackle prospect.

Cross sports a (relatively) lean and athletic frame at 6-foot 4 ¾ inches, 307 pounds. While he’s slightly undersized for the position, Cross compensates with long 34 ½ inch arms and big 10 ¾ inch hands. His long arms and slightly short frame give Cross good length for the position while maintaining natural leverage. Likewise, his hands are powerful enough to maintain control of defenders when he wins inside leverage.

Cross lined up exclusively at left tackle for Mississippi State’s offense. He has a fluid lower body with good short-area quickness and very good agility for the position. Cross has enough athleticism to mirror speed rushers off the edge, as well as recover against sudden inside moves. Mississippi State’s offense heavily featured screen passes, and Cross was easily able to climb to the second level. He has enough agility and quickness to get into position ahead of the ball carrier and make accurate blocks in space.

He also has a flexible lower body and is a natural knee bender. Cross is able to sit into his stance and maintain good hip and pad level throughout the play. That leverage, and his foot quickness, allows Cross to dissipate power rushes through a series of choppy steps.

But while Cross’ quick feet and good leverage allow him to blunt bull rushes, he has to give up ground to do so. He lacks the kind of play strength and anchor to hold up against powerful defensive linemen without being walked into the backfield.

Cross also needs to improve his hand usage and placement. He rarely wins inside leverage on defenders, and often winds up with his hands outside their framework. Cross has a habit of taking fistfulls of jersey to control defenders when he doesn’t have inside leverage, which could draw holding penalties at the NFL level. He also has a habit of lowering his head and lunging into defenders when they transition to counter moves.

Overall Grade: 7.7

Projection

Mississippi State’s Charles Cross has many of the athletic traits necessary to become a starting tackle at the NFL level.

He has enough size, good length, and great movement skills. Cross is a fluid, easy mover with enough play strength to at least blunt power rushes, and the athleticism to match up with most speed rushers.

All of that makes it easy to fall in love with the player Cross could become. However, he’s a relatively inexperienced tackle and he has some definite warts to his game.

Some of them can be improved over time. Cross’ suspect anchor should be improved with time in an NFL strength and conditioning program. Cross will need coaching in NFL blocking schemes and technique, as Mississippi State’s offense has little in common with the NFL game. It remains to be seen how Cross will fare in a scheme that uses (many) more 3-5 step drops and doesn’t rely heavily on “catch and throw” bubble screens to get the ball out before even unblocked pressure has the chance to threaten the quarterback.

Likewise, Cross will also need work on his technique and hand usage. His tendency to place his hands outside defenders’ framework – often taking fistfulls of their jersey or grabbing their shoulders to control them without inside leverage – could make him a magnet for holding penalties at the NFL level.

Charles Cross has the tools and potential to be a good offensive tackle in the NFL, but teams will need to understand who he is now and have a clear plan for his development. Cross has tremendous upside, but real concerns as well.

[tarlhawk]

Amazing how many people gripe about not addressing a glaring need in our O-line...then when we take a LT rated as one of 3 OT worthy of top ten status...and ranked number 3 on PFF's Big Board for overall prospects...he suddenly becomes a "forced...boom or bust" selection...amazing.

[RiverDog]

Amazing how many people gripe about not addressing a glaring need in our O-line...then when we take a LT rated as one of 3 OT worthy of top ten status...and ranked number 3 on PFF's Big Board for overall prospects...he suddenly becomes a "forced...boom or bust" selection...amazing.

Speaking for myself, I said that I was glad that we didn't burn our #9 overall on a QB, and I'm not "griping" about the pick. All I'm saying is that given our run first offense, I was surprised at the selection and that there's a certain degree of risk taking a tackle out of such a pass happy offense. Even the scouting reports says that there isn't a lot of film on Cross doing a lot of run blocking. This isn't a slam dunk, can't miss selection...if such a selection exists.

Cross was the 3rd OT taken, so he might not have been our first choice. When Neal kept sliding, I was hoping he'd get to our spot, but the Giants snapped him up at #7.

[tarlhawk]

"Project" wasn't my description, but I don't think that he's NFL ready. If that means that he's a project, then yes, he's a project.

He played in the very competitive SEC the powerhouse of College Football...the "watch my tape" response was highlighted by his very strong performance against perennial powerhouse Alabama. He is not a "project".

[NorthHawk]

The problem is he's a boom or bust player and he could turn our to be good.
The other issue is there were other players with less of a bust profile.
It seems our FO locked on to getting one of the 3 LT's and wouldn't have budged even if Hutchinson had dropped to 9.
But we will see. Maybe he turns out to be as good as Okung. We can only hope at this point.

[tarlhawk]

Speaking for myself, I said that I was glad that we didn't burn our #9 overall on a QB, and I'm not "griping" about the pick.
Cross was the 3rd OT taken, so he might not have been our first choice. When Neal kept sliding, I was hoping he'd get to our spot, but the Giants snapped him up at #7.

I wasn't referring you as a "griper" ...my reference would know who I didn't single out by name. I too was hoping Neal would continue to drop so I began reading scouting reports in anticipation of landing Neal. The only thing I found was some concern that even though he was a physical freak he had a potential flaw that could be exploited in the NFL...his weight is seldom balanced on the balls of his feet...making him lurch forward with his weight unevenly over his toe leaning forward...elite NFL pass rushers can exploit a lack of balance quickly...which unless he is coached out of his lack of balance may require a shift to RT or a slide into the interior (guard)...true LT are hard to achieve. Cross has length...long arms...large hands...and excellent balance...and "sweet feet" athleticism.

[tarlhawk]

The "flaw" in his limited run blocking use is more of a "didn't get strong coaching" in run blocking due to college scheme...not because of any poor physical trait...NFL coaches can take a college player who has strong athleticism and balance and strengthen his natural physical talent...15-20 lean pounds added to an already strong frame while teaching him finesse leverage techniques to enhance his ability at NFL run blocking.

[NorthHawk]

The flaw in this pick is there isn't much run blocking to really know if he can play in an NFL Offense.
Can he pass block? Probably but he was dominated in the drills at the Sr Bowl by college players which speaks to the flaws of drafting Air Raid OT's because those
Offenses are designed to get the ball off quickly and not hold blocks as long as the NFL. He's also not that big for an NFL Tackle at 6-4, 307. He may be able to
put on 10 or more lbs but will that be at the expense of quickness?

The other thing is Pete and John continually talk about getting back to being the bully but then they draft a finesse OT.
So what do they want our identity to be?
It just seems like they don't really have a plan and are just scrambling to fill holes.
The rest of the draft will tell the story, though.

[Uppercut]

Pick is OK by me, hope he is a star. Being compared to Okung, but remember Okung had glass toes

[NorthHawk]

And the draft is about selecting potential, so there is hope, but he has a big hill to climb given his history.
As well he's only 21 (22 at the end of November) so he's still young and has time to grow professionally.

[mykc14]

I'm not as high on him as some, but I do think I can see some logic in this pic. I imagine with Lock or Smith at QB we are going to be a screen heavy team and that is certainly a strength for Cross. Obviously he grades out well in his pass pro, which is a plus. What I don't like is his lack of run blocking in college and his size. PC says he will be fine run blocking and will gain weight and play in the 320's. The problem is they are unknowns. Will he lose agility if he gains 20 lbs? Can he run block consistently? Can he PB in a system where the QB holds the ball longer than 1 or 2 seconds? There are times when PC/JS tell us that a square peg will fit in a round hole (Jimmy G is a GREAT run blocker, Jemal Adams can cover/play in a 4-3 D). I'm hoping this isn't one of those situations.

[mykc14]

And the draft is about selecting potential, so there is hope, but he has a big hill to climb given his history.
As well he's only 21 (22 at the end of November) so he's still young and has time to grow professionally.

I agree with this, but I don't love that he isn't an explosive tester.

[Old but Slow]

Cross is a good player and will likely be our best O lineman, so I am not too down on the pick. My complaint is that I was hoping for an impact player, and I see Cross as needing a year or two to get stronger and learn better techniques before he will be impactful. He may start this year, but will be subjected to bull rushes to take advantage of his size.

[tarlhawk]

He may start this year, but will be subjected to bull rushes to take advantage of his size.

He comes from the SEC so its teams are probably the closest to feeling like NFL tested already...In his teleconference he revealed he is 315 currently. Both JS/PC expressed he has the frame to add solid weight with expected playing weight in the mid 320's. He's facing DEs not DTs...he'll be fine.

[govandals]

I was pretty meh on the Cross pick, but I'm warming up to it now. PCJS just went BPA after failing to trade up or down. I don't sense they're in love with pick, but it was arguably our biggest need. I think he ends up a slightly lesser version of Okung. As far as him being Ifedi 2.0, I don't get that at all. Cross moves way easier and fluid than Ifedi ever did. Cross is somewhat smooth and Ifedi was clunky.

Obviously, he's been tagged with the "air raid system, can't run block" label. The limited run blocking I've seen looks good to me, albeit from a 2 pt. stance. I read a scouting report somewhere online when he first went to MSU, his run block was supposedly his greatest strength. I actually think he is more low ceiling/high floor than boom or bust. Hopefully he solidifies LT for the next 10 years.

Also, I will miss Duane Brown. He was a pro's pro in my book.

[NorthHawk]

I think given their not addressing the T spots in FA or re-signing Brown they locked on to T as being their pick and it turned out to be Cross.
The Air Raid Offense issue for OT's it a real thing. Those players have never really produced in the NFL so it's a big gamble at this point.
It's good to know his weight is up and I hope he doesn't lose his movement with the added bulk but he has a lot of learning to do and without
a veteran like Brown will have to learn on the job more than if someone like Brown was on the team. I'm hoping he's the exception instead
of the rule at LT for us.

[TriCitySam]

Interesting, in John's presser he indicated Hutch was involved in evaluating Cross.

[NorthHawk]

Interesting, in John's presser he indicated Hutch was involved in evaluating Cross.

Well, Hutch is one of their scouts and had a hand in the Forsythe pick last year so one would expect him to
have some input.