The Seahawks selected in the Top 10 of the NFL Draft for the first time since 2010, and just like that first draft under Pete Carroll and John Schneider more than a decade ago, Seattle used their 2022 first-round pick on an offensive tackle they hope will become a key piece of their offense for years to come, selecting Charles Cross out of Mississippi State with the No. 9 overall pick
The 6-foot-5, 311-pound Cross, an ESPN and Sporting News All-America selection, becomes the Seahawks' first Top 10 pick since Russell Okung, who was selected sixth overall in 2010 and became Seattle's starting left tackle for the next six seasons.
"I was very excited," Cross said from Las Vegas on a conference call with Seattle-area reporters. "First thing I did was give my mom and dad a big hug. It's a surreal feeling, it's a blessing. I'm excited I'm going to Seattle to be with the 12s, some of the best fans in the league. I'm excited and I'm ready to get to work."
Cross, a first-team All-SEC selection last season, started 12 games at left tackle for the Bulldogs, and in Seattle he fills a clear need, as both of last year's starting tackles, Duane Brown and Brandon Shell, are currently free agents, leaving the Seahawks with only three tackles on the roster prior to selecting Cross. Even if Brown or Shell were to re-sign, the 21-year-old Cross gives the Seahawks a potential foundational piece for their offense for years to come.
While Cross played in a pass-happy offense at Mississippi State, he noted, "I love run blocking" and said Seattle's style of offense fits him well.
"It's a great organization," he said. "They preach physicality, toughness, nastiness, really everything you need to do to be successful. I'm just excited for the opportunity and ready to get to work."
Asked if physical, tough and nasty was an apt way to describe him, Cross quickly replied, "It definitely describes me."
Barring a trade, the Seahawks will next pick in Friday's second round when they have picks No. 40 and 41, then in the third round at pick No. 72.
New Draft Class, New Signatures, And A New Destination!
Help welcome the 2022 Seahawks Draft Class to Seattle and be entered to win an exclusive fly away trip to Los Angeles and an autographed Draft cap by our entire 2022 Class.
Take a look at offensive tackle Charles Cross throughout his college career at Mississippi State. Cross was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the 1st round, No. 9 overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Mississippi State offensive lineman Charles Cross (67) blocks against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
AUBURN, AL - November 13, 2021 - Mississippi State Offensive Lineman Charles Cross (#67) during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL. Photo By Austin Perryman
STARKVILLE, MS - September 11, 2021 - Mississippi State Offensive Lineman Charles Cross (#67) during the game between the NC State Wolfpack and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, MS. Photo By Austin Perryman
Mississippi State offensive lineman Charles Cross (67) lines up for the play against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Charles Cross (67) drops back to protect quarterback Will Rogers (2) as he sets up to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2021. Mississippi State won 31-17. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Charles Cross (67) blocks agains Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
STARKVILLE, MS - October 30, 2021 - Mississippi State Offensive Lineman Charles Cross (#67) during the Homecoming game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, MS. Photo By Austin Perryman
NASHVILLE, TN - October 23, 2021 - Mississippi State Offensive Lineman Charles Cross (#67) during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Austin Perryman
Mississippi State offensive lineman Charles Cross (67) blocks against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Charles Cross (67) blocks Auburn safety Smoke Monday (21) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Charles Cross (67) sets his feet to block Texas A&M defensive lineman Tyree Johnson (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Mississippi State offensive lineman Charles Cross (67) plays against Vanderbilt in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
STARKVILLE, MS - October 16, 2021 - Mississippi State Offensive Lineman Charles Cross (#67) during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, MS. Photo By Chamberlain Smith
