The New York Giants are in the market for a new offensive tackle. For years, the Giants’ offense has been bogged down by poor offensive line performances. 2020 first-round pick Andrew Thomas is a promising left tackle. But opposite of him, the right tackle position is clouded with uncertainty. There is likely to be a run on offensive tackle taken in the first round of this year’s draft and the Giants are expected to capitalize. But some fear that the top two tackles will not make it to the Giants’ fifth or seventh overall picks. With this in mind, the Giants have turned attention toward Mississippi State tackle Charles Cross as a potential draft target.
Charles Cross was reportedly “amazing” at his Pro Day. The New York Giants were in attendance for Mississippi State’s Pro Day. According to a report from Jon Sokoloff (WCBI Sports Director covering Mississippi State), “multiple New York Giants scouts praised Charles Cross after his Pro Day concluded.” He also noted that there were many Giants staff members in attendance, including OC Mike Kafka, OL coach Bobby Johnson and assistant OL coach Tony Sparano Jr.
In a post-Pro Day interview, Charles Cross said that he is hearing from a bunch of NFL teams, but he is “is hearing most from the Jets and Giants.” The Giants hold the fifth and seventh overall picks in the draft. But if they are competing with the Jets to draft Cross, they are already behind. The Giants’ MetLife Stadium roommates pick fourth overall in this year’s draft, giving the Jets the chance to steal the Giants’ target.
One of the Giant’ scouts was seen coaching up Cross at his Pro Day:
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.
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.
This post was published on 2022-03-22 17:30
