3 bold predictions for Charles Cross in the Seahawks’ Week 11 game against the 49ers

It's been an eventful bye week. From the shocking release of the Seahawks' leading tackler to the shocking retirement of Seattle's starting center... there's been a shakeup in the makeup of this team. Oh yeah, promising but oft-injured right tackle Abraham Lucas could very well make his season debut this week.

It's a bold new world in the Seattle Seahawks organization starting this week. Many of the underperforming veterans seem to be fading off and giving way to the young guys on this roster who have not really gotten a chance to play yet. I mean, look at the pivot position: The 'Hawks announced that center Connor Williams is retiring, effective immediately in the middle of the season.

Olu Oluwatimi now gets a chance to be a full-time starter. He won the award for the best lineman in the country in his senior year, and John Schneider has signed vet after washed-up vet to play over him.

Three bold predictions for Seahawks offensive tackle Charles Cross in Week 11's rematch with the 49ers

There's an argument to apply some of the same thought processes to guys like Coby Bryant (especially), Josh Jobe, Tyrice Knight, Cameron Young, and AJ Barner. Olusegun Oluwatimi is going to get his chance to prove himself a starter in this league, despite weight and power concerns at center. He'll have the luxury of having Seattle's starting tackles reporting for duty with the return of Abe Lucas to the underreported breakout star left tackle in Charles Cross.

The tackle who was taken with the second-highest draft pick ever used on an offensive lineman by the Seahawks has been stellar this season. Pro Football Focus may not be the end-all-be-all, but Cross ranks as a top-five offensive tackle there. His play always has been and absolutely will be crucial to getting a win in this football game.

Prediction 1: Charles Cross will allow zero sacks against the 49ers' defensive line

Some will bemoan all of the changes that have happened, fearing the unknown versus the proven veterans who are being demoted. The O-line does not have much experience or gravitas at this point... with one lone exception. That would be Charles Ellis Cross, manning the blind side.

To take a positive, versus a negative perspective, there is certainly room for improvement. Laken Tomlinson has certainly had bad moments, but he's actually playing above-average ball, according to PFF (subscription required). Oluwatimi has something to prove, and Lucas should improve the right side. Imagine if Seattle signed recently cut guard, Nate Davis... but I digress.

Charles Cross is the anchor of the protection unit in front of Geno Smith and will continue to be. If Geno is to see success the rest of the season, Cross will be a reason why. The 12s should be confident in his abilities to hold up against anybody out there. He has been credited with only having given up one sack so far this season. Nick Bosa will not change that.

Prediction 2: Cross will pave the way for a Kenneth Walker touchdown, pitching a key block

Charles Cross is a very athletic offensive tackle; he was even given the nickname 'sweet feet' for his agility acumen. Starting running back Ken Walker III is a very talented runner, and adept at executing the zone scheme that utilizes athleticism and vision. To compete with SF, Seattle will most likely want to run the football a little more than they have been doing recently.

The Niners are starting Maliek Collins and Jordan Elliott in the middle of their defense, after having lost Javon Hargrave to injury. Those two are not world-beaters. Do you know who it can be? Walker, the ballcarrier running behind Charles Cross, getting out into space. Cross will make a key block to spring K9 for a rushing touchdown against the "Whiners."

Prediction 3: Charles will jump on a fumble, making a heads up play

Lastly, let's look for the 9th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft to make a heads-up play to save the day. Surely there must be some regression to the mean as far as bumbling mistakes and miscues along the line, right? If Oluwatimi can avoid throwing snaps over Geno's head, he will possibly be an improvement at the center of the offensive line. Nonetheless, the pigskins will hit the grass at some point in time. Charles Cross will be the one to be there to pick it up and prevent San Francisco from once again capitalizing on Seahawk blunders.

Looking forward to watching Charles Cross continue to prove that he was a wise investment. Having a player of his caliber protecting Geno Smith should help ease some of the other concerns upfront. Until Seattle can find a way to clone Cross, he will continue to hold it down on the left side, allowing some semblance of protection.

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