It’s no secret the New York Giants are in the market for a new starting right tackle, and the search to find one is likely to conclude at the 2022 NFL draft.
With two first-round picks, many anticipate the Giants will use one of those on a Day 1 starter that bookends Andrew Thomas. However, who that might be is open for debate.
For months, many believed Alabama’s Evan Neal would go No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Then that switched to NC State’s Ikem Ekwonu, but even that’s uncertain.
It’s entirely possible the Giants are able to pick between one of the two. It’s also entirely possible that their sights are set on a different right tackle. Say, Charles Cross of Mississippi State.
Cross participated in drills and testing at the Mississippi State Pro Day on Tuesday and the Giants were on hand to watch. They were represented by offensive line coach Bobby Johnson and others.
And to say the Giants have expressed significant interest in Cross would be an understatement.
The New York Giants' interest in #MississippiState LT Charles Cross is very, very real.
The Giants' staff members in attendance were OC Mike Kafka, OL coach Bobby Johnson and assistant OL coach Tony Sparano Jr.
NYG has picks 5 and 7 in the NFL Draft.https://t.co/K6MYqVuhTT
— Jon Sokoloff (@JonSokoloff) March 22, 2022
Multiple New York Giants scouts praised Charles Cross after his Pro Day concluded.
— Jon Sokoloff (@JonSokoloff) March 22, 2022
Charles Cross said that he’s heard from all of the NFL teams but is hearing most from the Jets and Giants. pic.twitter.com/e8bvSqTOaD
— Robbie Faulk (@robbiefaulk247) March 22, 2022
Cross has been mocked to the Giants numerous times, but that’s usually as a result of Neal and Ekwonu having been selected over the top four picks. He’s been viewed as sort of 1c to Neal’s 1a and Ekwonu’s 1b.
But perhaps the Giants and general manager Joe Schoen see it differently. Maybe they view Cross as 1a or just as the more ideal fit for their scheme. Or maybe they’re just going heavy in scouting all three of the potential right tackles and Cross just happened to be the man at the plate on Tuesday.
