What's Happening?
Charles Cross, an offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks, is preparing to play in the Super Bowl after being passed over by the New York Giants in the 2022 NFL Draft. Initially, Cross was considered alongside Ickey Ekwonu and Evan Neal as one of the top-rated offensive tackles. Ekwonu was selected by the Panthers, Neal by the Giants, and Cross by the Seahawks. Over four seasons, Cross has started 62 games and recently secured a four-year contract extension worth $104.4 million with Seattle. In contrast, Neal has struggled with injuries and performance issues, leading to a failed position change and no playtime in the past season. Cross expressed no regrets about the Giants' decision, stating that his time in Seattle has been a blessing.
Why It's Important?
The
story of Charles Cross highlights the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft and the varying career trajectories of top prospects. While Cross has thrived with the Seahawks, becoming a key player and securing a lucrative contract, Evan Neal's career with the Giants has been marred by setbacks. This contrast underscores the challenges teams face in evaluating talent and making draft decisions that can significantly impact their future success. For the Seahawks, Cross's development into a reliable offensive tackle has been instrumental in their journey to the Super Bowl, showcasing the importance of strategic draft picks in building a competitive team.
What's Next?
As Charles Cross prepares for the Super Bowl, his performance will be closely watched as a testament to his growth and the Seahawks' investment in him. Meanwhile, the Giants face the challenge of reassessing their draft strategies and player development processes to avoid similar outcomes in the future. Evan Neal's career remains uncertain as he seeks to recover and find a new opportunity to prove his potential. The upcoming Super Bowl will serve as a platform for Cross to further establish his reputation and for the Seahawks to potentially secure a championship victory.
