Mississippi State has a potential future Top 5 NFL Draft pick

The BBN has had two weeks to learn as much about the Mississippi State Bulldogs as possible. I’m sure you read Adam Luckett’s thorough scouting report that highlighted the Bulldogs’ best, but did you know one is a future first round NFL Draft pick?

Mississippi State offensive tackle Charles Cross (No. 67) is a 6-foot-5, 305-pound monster on the line of scrimmage. A former five-star recruit from Laurel, Ms., last year he earned Freshman All-SEC honors from the league’s coaches and he’s building on that effort in the fall of 2021.

Many believe the redshirt sophomore could be a first round draft pick if he decides to become an early entrant into the NFL Draft. Veteran scout Matt Miller takes it one step further. In his latest mock draft, Miller pegs Cross as the top-ranked offensive tackle and No. 5 overall NFL Draft pick.

If your favorite NFL team needs an athletic left tackle, Charles Cross is your dude. He’s agile and fluid and uses great range (h/t Brandon Thorn) in both the run and pass game. He’s a little undersized for some teams, but he’s a treat to watch working in space.

Matt Miller | The Draft Scout

Cross has the benefit of playing in an offense that does not feature a ton of deep, drop-back passes. Quarterback Will Rogers releases the ball from his hands quickly, giving the defense only a second or two to apply pressure.

Even so, there should be a few opportunities for Brad White’s defense to pin its ears back and rush the passer at Davis Wade Stadium this Saturday. Josh Paschal, JJ Weaver and Jordan Wright will have their work cut out for them when lined up across from Cross.