Mel Kiper mocks Seahawks to get a massive player in 2022 NFL draft

The Seattle Seahawks have several needs to fill in the 2022 NFL draft and ESPN’s Mel Kiper thinks they get a long-term fix in the first round.

Seattle, of course, needs a new quarterback. The team also needs a bunch of offensive line help, cornerback help, maybe another linebacker. There are plenty of ways Seattle could go in the NFL draft. In fact, so many ways, Seattle probably isn’t going to take a QB in round one.

And according to someone who knows his NFL stuff, Mel Kiper, Jr., Seattle is going try to address one of the most important positions on the field with its first pick in the draft. Kiper predicts right now that the Seahawks are going to choose left tackle Charles Cross from Mississippi State.

Seahawks might draft their long-term left tackle with Charles Cross in 2022 NFL draft

Cross is 6’5″ and weighs 315 pounds and will likely get quite a bit heavier once in an NFL weight training program. With his length, Cross could get to 330 pounds with no issues and not lose any of his agility.

Cross is a tackle who has great strength but he also ran a 4.95 40 at the NFL combine. While some might think he lacks some athleticism, his combine workout did not show that. An offensive lineman that runs that fast in the 40 is very impressive.

But Cross is likely NFL-ready for a few reasons. One is that he is already strong enough to compete and has powerful hands with which to push and drive defenders. He can explode into defenders and drive them back opening holes for Seahawks running backs. This is important in 2022 as Seattle is probably going to run quite a bit more than in recent seasons.

A second reason Cross should start next year is that he was well-coached at Mississippi State and played against elite athletes every week he played an SEC team. Cross was still dominant and consistent. He is an excellent pass blocker with nimble feet and with added muscle should start in the NFL for years and play at a potential Pro Bowl level.