Charles Cross falling to the Saints would be a dream come true
The New Orleans Saints found their quarterback for the 2022 season but now they need to get protection for him. Yes, wide receiver is a need, but the offensive line might be an even bigger need, especially with Terron Armstead signing with the Dolphins.
Unfortunately for NOLA, it might be hard for them to find a high-impact offensive tackle in the middle of the first round. In Maurice Jones-Drew’s mock draft for NFL.com, however, he had Mississippi State offensive tackle Charles Cross falling to the Saints at No. 18.
"Needing a replacement for the departed Terron Armstead, New Orleans gets a quality tackle prospect with an ideal frame who consistently played at a high level at Mississippi State."
While Jones-Drew didn’t go into elaborate detail, he didn’t really need to here. The Saints need a left tackle and Cross might be the most realistic option for them in the draft.
Saints could desperately use Charles Cross
The rest of the NOLA offensive line is pretty much figured out unless the team brings in some competition who can give those guys a run for their money. Andrus Peat and Cesar Ruiz will man the two guard positions unless other options are brought in while Erik McCoy will serve at center and Ryan Ramczyk will likely remain at right tackle.
Maybe Ramczyk slides over to left tackle but he’s at his best when he plays right tackle so if the Saints can find a left tackle for the 2022 season and the foreseeable future, keeping him on the right side is the best move there.
While the Saints could absolutely go with a wide receiver at pick No. 18, if Cross is still on the board, it’d be hard to pass on him. For the record, the only receivers taken at this point were Drake London and Garrett Wilson, so NOLA could have still gone with Chris Olave, Jameson Williams, or Treylon Burks.
Cross, however, gives the Saints a player at a position of need. He wouldn’t be as good as Armstead was but it’s the best possible way to find their left tackle of the future.
"8 candidates to be the New Orleans Saints No. 2 WR in 2022"
How would you feel about this pick?