At number 6 the Carolina Panthers select...Charles Cross???

[PanthersGOATFan336]

6. Carolina Panthers: OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State

How would the huddle feel about this pick I think we do this to set up a QB pick next year...

The Carolina Panthers don't have a solution at quarterback, yet they're staring down a draft class without a legitimate standout option at the position. 

The organization could reach for one if those within the front office and coaching staff believe in a certain prospect. Inevitably, some team is going to pull the trigger much sooner than expected because of the position's importance. 

In this case, the more prudent approach is building a better cockpit for whoever starts behind center in 2022. The Panthers chose to move forward with Cam Erving as their starting left tackle. Unsurprisingly, he didn't fare particularly well. Maybe Brady Christensen will move into the role full time, but a better option exists in Mississippi State's Charles Cross, who's the class' best pure pass blocker, with Christensen sliding inside to guard. 

"Cross should be in consideration for being the best tackle in the draft because of how technically proficient he is as a pass-blocker despite being extremely young and inexperienced," Thorn said. "With a rare level of refinement in his pass sets and hands, Cross uses outstanding balance, quickness and length to thrive on an island. This is exactly what the Panthers have been desperately in need of, and adding Cross would give them a high-, high-upside player who fills a major need.

"Cross is always under control as a run-blocker with the right demeanor and above-average play strength to be an asset there as well.

[PanthersGOATFan336]

HEIGHT: 6'5"

WEIGHT: 310
 

POSITIVES

— Glides in his pass set with excellent range to get to his landmarks balanced and under control to frame up rushers.

— Plays with tremendous weight distribution and balance to consistently stay centered on defenders from snap to finish.

— Refined, potent hands to find the sweet spot on rushers to gain control of their frame while being nimble enough to reset and stay attached when needed.

— Alert on stunts to pass off penetrators and pick up loopers.

— Above-average play strength and uses his length well as a run-blocker to steer defenders off the spot with the placement to sustain at a high level.

NEGATIVES

— Can get broken down and opened up against rushers who use stutters to set up inside counters.

— Has gotten wide with his aiming points on the front side of outside zone to allow immediate post-snap movement to cross his face and get penetration.

— Doesn’t have a lot of reps as a run-blocker playing in the Air Raid system.

NOTES

— Former 5-star recruit and top prospect in the state of Mississippi.

— 22 career starts at left tackle.

— 2020 freshman All-SEC by the coaches.

— Will be 21 years old in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season.
 

OVERALL

Charles Cross came to Mississippi State as a 5-star prospect and is a two year starter in Mike Leach’s Air Raid, zone-based run scheme with 22 starts at left tackle.

Cross has the rare combination of being an explosive and smooth mover with tremendous balance to consistently stay on his feet and in front of defenders. He uses expert-level hand placement to latch into the armpit area of defenders, with the dexterity to reset if his latch is broken.

GRADE: 8.6 (Impact Player - 1st Round)

OVERALL RANK: 11

POSITION RANK: OT3

PRO COMPARISON: Ryan Clady

[45catfan]

Yes, please.  Neal scares me a bit because of his weight.  It's one thing to move good for a big man, but qualifying 'for a big man' is a unnerving.  Now our season is over, I'll start diving into tape.

[PanthersGOATFan336]

 

[BigCat#1]

But are his arms long enough?

[45catfan]

Obviouly I'm in the Ekwonu camp (see avatar).

Edited January 10, 2022 by 45catfan

[ForJimmy]

I’d be down. OL, trade down, or QB would all make me happy. 

[Growl]

Y’all can’t even decide which of these “generational” “can’t miss” OTs is the best in the class.

 

it’s like this every draft.

[Harbingers]

Nah. Get that Center. 

[PanthersGOATFan336]

1 minute ago, Growl said:

Y’all can’t even decide which of these “generational” “can’t miss” OTs is the best in the class.

 

it’s like this every draft.

I mean I just copied and pasted but I do think OT is the best way to go. Build the line then find QB not the other way around

[45catfan]

His kick-slide is super choppy.  He has to work on that big time.  I like the 'nasty' in the screen game though, he's like a heat seeking missile looking for someone to hit.

[Growl]

3 minutes ago, PanthersGOATFan336 said:

I mean I just copied and pasted but I do think OT is the best way to go. Build the line then find QB not the other way around

If the panthers had done it the other way around last draft, if they had taken the QB presented to them despite it being deemed a “weak class,” the panthers would have the most important position on the field solidified and an open venue of top picks to select from

you could take a LT, you could also take a premiere edge rusher who can actually set the edge and not have to overpay Hassan reddick, or you could’ve taken the CB now

You never pass on a top QB prospects when you have a need a QB. You only delay your ability to properly assess where your roster is.

it would be great to be talking one of these guys-one of these “can’t miss” tackles will certainly be there past pick #12 or so-but you can’t keep doubling down on the same mistake.

 

it’s time to draft a QB.

Edited January 10, 2022 by Growl

[Shocker]

He is a very logical target for us at 6 as are Neal and Ekwonu

Edited January 10, 2022 by Shocker

[45catfan]

Last year's QB class was far from weak, actually one of the better ones in recent memory.  This QB class has question marks all over the place.