Charles

Cross

After missing the Seahawks’ last three games, Cross will return in Week 6 to protect Geno Smith’s blind side. Cross exited Week 1 against the Rams with a toe injury and hasn’t been heard from since, but will be back for his matchup against the Bengals. His return couldn’t come at a better time, as he’ll be asked to keep Trey Hendrickson — who has six sacks this season — away from Geno all day long.

Cross has been sidelined since Week 2 because of the toe issue. He did not practice at all heading into Week 4 and was listed as doubtful before being ruled out. Following the team’s Week 5 bye, Cross now appears to be on the right track to return this week after getting in some practice reps on Wednesday. Cross will be tasked with warding off Bengals EDGE Trey Hendrickson if he is back in the lineup for Week 6.

Cross was carted off the field in Week 1 against the Rams, missing Week 2 against the Lions. Last week, head coach Pete Carroll had said Cross had a chance to return in Week 3, but a DNP in the first practice of the week keeps him off track for that. Geno Smith took only one sack in Week 2, yet could face more pressure against the Panthers in Week 3.

Right tackle Abraham Lucas is on injured reserve meaning he will miss Week 2 and at least three more games as well. That puts Geno Smith down to backup tackles on both sides of the line. Though Detroit’s defense has been far from formidable in recent years, they looked like a team ready to turn the corner versus the Chiefs in Week 1. Pressure from their defensive line could be an issue for Smith in Week 2. Head coach Pete Carroll did say there’s a chance Cross could be back for Week 3.

Carroll said both tackles are hurting, but it’s also too soon to bring up Jason Peters from the practice squad. Peters was signed earlier this week but will remain on the Seahawks practice squad until he is fully up to speed. Seattle also added offensive tackle Raiqwon O’Neal from the Bucs practice squad to their active roster. It’s a nightmare scenario for Geno Smith, a quarterback who thrives in structure and when defenses let him get in a rhythm. Though Detroit’s defense may not be the most formidable in the league, they should be able to get to Smith a few times on Sunday.

Cross was eventually listed as questionable to return with a toe injury, though it looks unlikely he returns to this game. He went down shortly after right tackle Abraham Lucas, who is also questionable to return. The Seahawks are now down to Jake Curhan and Stone Forsythe to bookend their line. Expect the Rams to be able to generate pressure at will against the pair of backups.

Like all first-round contracts, Cross’ deal also includes a fifth-year team option. Cross was the last unsigned rookie selected within the top 10 but got his deal done, as expected. Cross fills a major need for the Seahawks up front, although his pass blocking expertise is a bit of an odd fit for an offense that will presumably establish at all costs.

Cross (6’5/310) is the third tackle off the board in nine picks, and a no-brainer addition for the tackle-desperate Seahawks. This lessens Seattle’s urgency to re-sign ageless-but-declining veteran Duane Brown, though they still have another opening. Cross thrived blocking for Will Rogers last season, allowing only 16 pressures and two sacks over 719 pass-blocking reps, per PFF. He brought home first-team all-SEC honors. A model pass blocker, Cross is also an asset in the running game, posting better PFF ground grades with each passing season, culminating with a senior mark of 87.2. As a pass protector, Cross mirrors defenders with incredible ease and effectiveness, keeping his hands up. Pair that with above-average athleticism and Cross is a very intriguing prospect. He projects to be a day-one starter at left tackle with the ability to shift over to the right side if needed.

The top-three tackles are relatively cut and dry but Cross (6'5/310) at the top of the class is is not the norm. Both Renner and Austin Gayle from PFF have him at the top spot with Renner having him at third on his big board. The allure with Cross is evident, as he is a tremendous pass blocker. He finished with a PFF grade of 87.2 and is incredibly fluid in pass protection. While he is a projection as a consistent down-to-down run blocker, the upside as a pass protector in a very pass-happy league is intriguing.

Cross (6'5/310) has risen during this pre-draft process and it would be tough to think he won’t go in the top half. In a deep draft of talented linemen, Austin Gayle has him as the best in the class. His progression from 64.4 PFF grade 2020 to 86.7 in 2021 shows that he can continue to get better and he hasn’t reached his peak. One of the best pass blocking tackles in the draft there’s been some question about his run blocking which has created an exaggerated false narrative. In fact, according to PFF, Cross was the fourth-highest-graded run-blocker among Power 5 offensive tackles this year, posting an overall grade of 87.2. It’s hard to argue against Gayle’s ranking.