Report: Charles Cross ‘won’t get past’ the Carolina Panthers at No. 6

A recent report from Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline suggests offensive tackle prospect Charles Cross “won’t get past” the Carolina Panthers at No. 6 overall.

We are obviously in the season of smoke and mirrors with the 2022 NFL Draft now a few short days away. Teams are putting false information out there regarding potential interest in certain prospects to perhaps get some trade value or even make others show their hand way ahead of time.

That is something to take into consideration where the Carolina Panthers are concerned, too. They are in a good position to fill a major need with the No. 6 overall selection, but this is their only pick in the first 136 and might end up trying to resolve this issue by trading down if they receive a sufficient offer.

Just one of the many options available. And those in power are currently cementing their plans depending on various scenarios that might occur during one of the more unpredictable drafts in recent memory.

There is an obvious need for the Panthers to find an upgrade on Sam Darnold at some stage. However, they might also not get a better opportunity to finally fix their constant problems at left tackle with their first-round pick.

Charles Cross is a name that’s generating some significant buzz at just the right time. The former Mississippi State standout is among the best blindside protectors entering the league this year and boasts the sort of skill set Carolina has craved ever since Jordan Gross called it a day.

There remains a chance Cross falls out of the top five. Especially if a team trades up to land a signal-caller or a run on some top pass-rushing prospects takes place.

Charles Cross reportedly won’t get past the Carolina Panthers at No. 6

However, according to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, many sources across the league believe Cross’ floor will be the Panthers at No. 6. There are even some teams that have the player higher than Alabama product Evan Neal on their boards.

"“Charles Cross is the top offensive tackle on some boards around the league, and many teams rate him ahead of Evan Neal. No one I spoke with expects Cross to get past the Carolina Panthers at No. 6.”"

Pauline’s sentiment was echoed by a recent tweet from ESPN’s draft analyst Todd McShay, who stated that the Panthers and New York Giants were both extremely high on the lineman following their respective assessments.

This might not be the sexiest pick in the world for fans. But the time has come for Carolina to finally focus their first-round pick on a premium left tackle that can start from Day 1 and sure up an area that has been a constant disappointment.

Cross has the size, length, and athleticism to make a massive difference right out of the gate. His pass protection prowess is absolutely flawless and the prospect also has the necessary strength to become a force in run support – even if he wasn’t tasked with much of this within the Bulldogs’ prolific Air Raid attack.

It would be a major disappointment if one of the top-three left tackle prospects were all gone by the time Carolina goes on the clock. Something that would probably result in the Panthers reaching for a quarterback or trading down for additional draft capital.

If Cross reaches expectations, then this is a player with Pro Bowl or better potential who can become the team’s starting left tackle for a decade barring injury. A temptation that should be too much for Carolina to ignore after a series of failed personnel moves.