(Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Last season for the Bulldogs, Cross allowed two sacks, no quarterback hits, and 14 quarterback hurries on 719 pass-blocking reps, and he showed srong run-blocking abilities as well. It’s why he’s right up close with Neal and North Carolina State’s Ikem Ekwonu when people are talking about the best draft-eligible tackles.
Cross continued to set himself apart in Indianapolis with an official 4.95 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5 and 307 pounds, and he showed minimal wasted movement in the drills, further accentuating his strong tape. His 10-yard split of 1.73 was the second-best in his group, behind only Kellen Diesch’s 1.70, and Cam Jurgens’ 1.71.
Big guys can move too. 👀@BuckyBrooks‘ No. 2 OT @HailStateFB‘s Charles Cross with an impressive 4.93u. @CharlesC_67
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/eTO3vdRMaf
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2022
Do not assume for one second that because Cross played in Mike Leach’s offense that he’s just a finesse guy in an Air Raid offense whose skills will not transfer easily to the NFL. In Cross’s case, the athleticism is a plus, but it’s not the only thing. He’s a nasty blocker in pass and run sets who brings Tampa Bay’s Tristian Wirfs to mind.
So, I get the whole OMG HE WATCHES HORROR MOVIES BEFORE GAMES vibe with Trevor Penning, and it shows up on tape. But if I need an OT with more refined technique and a serious nasty streak, Charles Cross is The Dude. It’s closing time at the bar. pic.twitter.com/rNMzOVYtxa
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) February 25, 2022
I had Cross going to the Chargers with the 17th overall pick in my pre-combine mock draft; the post-combine mock might see him in the top 10.
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