Panthers 7-round mock draft featuring Baker Mayfield blockbuster trade

Carolina Panthers select Charles Cross

• Offensive Tackle | Mississippi State

Low and behold, the Carolina Panthers’ gamble to trade out of the No. 6 spot works in their favor as one of the top three offensive tackles in this year’s draft lands in their lap after moving back nine picks.

The Panthers have had a different starting left tackle every season since franchise cornerstone Jordan Gross retired after the conclusion of the organization’s 2013 season. With the No. 15 overall selection in this mock draft, that may change for the foreseeable future.

Charles Cross is undoubtedly one of the best offensive tackles in the draft. Some have even argued that he is the best at his position above all others.

There are even some that may compare Cross with current Miami Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead, a great athlete who is a tremendous pass protector.

On tape, Cross exhibits amazing movement skills that allow him to mirror and match pass rushers and chase them up the arc. He also offers great footspeed and an explosive first step to cope with the speed and quickness of whoever he comes up against.

Having played in a Mike Leach offense that throws the football close to 50 to 60 times a pop, Cross has plenty of experience with different types of pass sets. The blindside presence still has some growing to do as a run blocker, but the flashes he showed in this area may convince offensive line coach James Campen that he can develop the Mississippi State product into an elite player at the next level.

Congratulations, Panthers fans – your favorite team found its future at offensive tackle. The bad news? Sam Darnold is still your starting quarterback.

Or is he?