3 reasons the New York Giants will draft Charles Cross
By Toby Grundy
New York Giants: 2. Much needed flexibility
The one position on the offensive line that it seems the Giants are happy with is left tackle, with second-year pro Andrew Thomas making significant improvements in 2021.
Thomas did however miss four games last season with an ankle injury which landed him on IR. Left tackle is still the most important piece of the offensive line and, without Thomas healthy, the Giants had nobody of adequate class to step into the spot in reserve.
Cross would be able to step right in to protect Jones’ blind side, should Thomas suffer another injury in 2022. The two-year starter at Mississippi State started 22 games at left tackle over the past two seasons in college football’s premier conference – the SEC.
Despite playing his college career at left tackle, he has performed drills at right tackle during the draft process. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein stated, “he can become a good, long-time starter at either tackle position” in his NFL draft profile.
The flexibility provided by Cross would no doubt be appreciated by the Giants, who have been lacking top talent at almost all five positions on the offensive line for some time. It also affords Joe Schoen and the team a safety net should Thomas take a step back in 2022 or beyond.