5 top prospects the Jaguars can trade down for in 2022 NFL Draft

No. 4 prospect the Jaguars can take in the 2022 draft – Charles Cross.

Talks about the top offensive tackle in this year’s draft have centered on Alabama’s Evan Neal and  North Carolina State’s Ikem Ekwonu but Charles Cross of Mississippi State may not be far behind. In fact, he’s ranked ahead of both Ekwonu and Neal in Pro Football Focus’ big board and is seen as a fringe candidate to be the top overall pick in the draft.

PFF notes that Cross was one of the most dominant pass-protectors last season, giving up just 16 pressures on 719 pass-blocking snaps after allowing 44 on 574 pass-blocking the season before. He may not have Evan’s flexibility to line up at different spots across the offensive line but that shouldn’t deter the Jaguars from taking him. While Cross could be a reach at No.1, he will most likely be available at No. 4 or 5, and as promising as Aidan Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux seem, the front office may be better off taking an offensive tackle.

Cam Robinson is slated to become a free agent and if the Jags can’t reach a deal with him, they will need to replace him. They could take Cross, plug him at left tackle and kick sophomore Walker Little to the right side. Also, if the Jags plan on drafting an offensive tackle in the first round, they could use their cap space to address other positions in free agency.