The New York Giants have holes all across their offensive line. The team should be pleased with the development of their 2020 first-round pick, left tackle Andrew Thomas. Thomas has turned into quite the tackle, ranking 80th overall on PFF’s top-101 players of the year. But opposite of AT, the Giants have a major question mark at right tackle. This is a question that could be answered in April during the 2022 NFL Draft. Offensive tackle prospect Charles Cross could be a home-run selection for the Giants this spring.
Charles Cross is widely considered to be the third-ranked offensive tackle in this year’s draft class. Evan Neal and Ikem Ekwonu are the consensus top-two tackles. But right on their heels is Mississippi State pass protector Charles Cross. Cross’s ability to hold down the fort in pass-protection should make him a top target for the New York Giants in April.
Why the Giants should target Charles Cross in the NFL Draft
In 2021, the New York Giants offensive line was pitiful, as it has been for years. They fell to 30th overall in Pro Football Focus’s final offensive line rankings of the year. Andrew Thomas was really the only bright spot for the Giants upfront. As Joe Schoen steps in as the team’s next general manager, his main mission should be to fix the issue that has been plaguing the Giants’ offense for years: the offensive line.
2020 was a step in the right direction for New York. They drafted Andrew Thomas fourth overall and he has developed into an exquisite player over two seasons. The team needs to continue building their line through the draft, though.
Charles Cross makes perfect sense for the Giants with one of their two first-round draft picks in 2022. Andrew Thomas allowed only 18 total pressures on 517 pass-blocking snaps this season, aptly protecting the blindside. Charles Cross could have a similar effect on the right side of the Giants’ offensive line.
Dude… Charles Cross is a MACHINE in Pass Pro. I knew there was a lot of hype building for him but man his tape is good! Core strength, footspeed & explosiveness out of his stance, long strong arms w/ grip strength, mirror ability, stunt recognition. It's all there. ?#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/KZkEZtSCn6
— Marcus Whitman (@TFG_Football) February 14, 2022
Charles Cross allowed only 16 pressures on 719 pass-blocking snaps in 2021 (PFF). Cross has good length from the tackle position and eye-opening agility that allows him to excel in pass protection. If the New York Giants want to add another bookend on their offensive line, Charles Cross would make for a perfect selection with one of their two top-ten picks.