Steelers first-round pick: OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State
Make no doubt about it; the Steelers need help on the offensive line no matter how you slice it. Whether they draft a quarterback or not. There will be a strong percentage by the time the Steelers are on the clock; assuming they do not make the playoffs, Charles Cross should still be available when their pick comes around.
With everyone assuming they are going with a quarterback, no one sees this selection coming, much as the Steelers taking Pat Freiermuth in 2021 shocked many. Taking Cross will undoubtedly ruffle feathers of other NFL teams who assumed he would be available when they selected.
What better way for the Steelers to begin rebuilding their team. They add a 6’5” 305-pound behemoth at the tackle position. Unlike a lot of linemen his size, he’s lean and muscular. Adding him would definitely help open holes for Najee in 2022, plus adding pass protection for whoever leads the team as quarterback. Why?
One scouting report claims he is a violent physical tackle that punishes his opponent on every play. According to the Pro football Network, “finishing a play doesn’t always mean putting your man in the dirt, but it appears that the Mississippi State OT did not get that memo.” Honestly, given some of the great offensive linemen to play for the Steelers, he is a player that fits that tough, gritty Steelers mentality, and he would fit right in playing for the Steelers. That’s why the Steelers fool the NFL and select Cross with their number one selection.