Charles Cross, overlooked by the Giants, is in the Super Bowl with the Seahawks

Seahawks Offensive Lineman Reflects on 2022 Draft Class

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Charles Cross recalls a time during the NFL draft process, though his memory has a few inaccuracies.

“If I remember correctly, Evan went to New York, Icky went to the Panthers, and I ended up here in Seattle,” Cross shared. However, that’s not entirely how it unfolded. In the 2022 draft, Ikki Ekwonu was indeed picked by the Panthers at sixth, Evan Neal went to the Giants right after at seventh, and the Seahawks selected Cross with the ninth pick.

“That’s right,” Cross confirmed. These three players are considered among the best offensive tackles from their draft class, with two of them securing positions as left tackles on their respective teams.

Over four seasons, Cross has started in 62 games, even making an appearance in the Super Bowl. Just last month, the Seahawks awarded him a four-year extension worth a hefty $104.4 million. Meanwhile, Ekwonu started 64 games and solidified his place on the Panthers, who picked up his fifth-year option to guarantee him $17.5 million for the 2026 season. Unfortunately, Ekwonu’s season is now at risk due to a torn patella tendon sustained during a playoff loss to the Rams.

As for Neal, his trajectory hasn’t been as smooth. The Giants didn’t need a left tackle in 2022 since they had Andrew Thomas. Neal was anticipated to be a dominant right tackle alongside Thomas for a decade. But that plan didn’t materialize. He faced struggles in his rookie season, marred by injuries and declining performance over two more seasons. By 2025, he attempted to transition to guard, but that too didn’t pan out. Last season, he didn’t play at all, and now at 25, he’ll be looking to rejuvenate his career elsewhere.

“I thought we were a great class,” Cross commented. “Icky performed well in Carolina, and I really admire his style. Evan, I think, has potential too, but he’s faced quite a few injuries. They both have what it takes to be successful,” he noted.

While Neal’s performance has sparked doubts, Cross acknowledged the varied paths of each player. “Everyone’s story is different,” he pointed out. “He’s dealt with adversity and ups and downs. It’s part of the game.”

When asked if he felt he should have been the first offensive tackle taken in 2022, Cross admitted, “Selfishly, yes.” He expressed his pride in being with Seattle. “Being here has been a blessing for me, the team, and my teammates. I’m genuinely excited about it,” he said.

The Giants had the chance to draft Ekwonu at No. 5, but opted for edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeau instead. After Ekwonu went to the Panthers, the Giants picked Neal before choosing Cross.

“I had a strong feeling they might take me,” Cross recalled about the Giants. “We talked a lot during the draft process, really got to know each other. But that’s behind us now. They made their choice, and honestly, I don’t regret it. Everything turned out fine for me.”