Washington Football Team Mock Draft: 5 first-round targets for Washington
By Jerry Trotta
4. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
We know Washington spent a second-round pick on Sam Cosmi in April, but the tackle position could still be a need after this season.
Charles Leno only signed a one-year deal in the offseason, so he’s set to hit free agency. There’s no guarantee he’ll be back. The same can be said for Cornelius Lucas, who’s been immense at both tackle positions off the bench. We wouldn’t be surprised if a high bid comes in that pushes him out of Washington’s budget.
Mississippi State standout Charles Cross could be the solution. He’s widely projected to be a first-round pick and if he continues on this current trajectory — he was just named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week for the second time this season — he could vault himself into the top 10 conversation.
Cross hasn’t allowed a sack over 66 pass-blocking snaps. He’s one of Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded tackles for the 2021 season, earning a pass-blocking mark of 78.1 and an 83.2 grade in rushing situations. The young tackle’s allowed just seven pressures on the season and conceded a total of ZERO pressures in back-to-back games against Alabama and Texas A&M (133 snaps).
If Washington isn’t sold on a quarterback — or if whom they liked was taken before their turn to pick — we love the idea of netting Cross. Not only does he project as a future stud, but it would help save the franchise a ton of money, as both of its tackles would be under rookie contracts for the foreseeable future.
Not many NFL teams can say that right now.
Disclaimer: Before fans freak out, the cheap contract is just a perquisite. It obviously doesn’t qualify as a reason to draft Cross in Round 1. Relax!