NFL Mock Draft: Entire 1st round after a crazy free agency
By Andrew Falce
NFL Mock Draft picks 5 and 6
5. New York Giants: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. OT. 5. Mississippi St.. Charles Cross. player. 893
The Giants are in an interesting position in this NFL mock draft. With no trades being projected, they have two options at pick five. Most will look to them drafting a defender here, but with a pick also coming up at seven, securing a top tackle makes more sense. The Panthers are likely to take a quarterback, but one would think their next top target is a lineman. The Giants take Charles Cross to prevent any chance of him going in the next pick.
Cross has all of the traits of an elite tackle. He is young, athletic, and has the ideal measurements to be a quality blocker. The issues with him lie in his technique, as he is still relatively raw as a blocker.
Assuming he takes the steps forward there that most expect him to, there is little reason to believe he won’t be a top tackle in the league. The Giants opt for Cross to finally secure their line moving forward.
6. Carolina Panthers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. QB. player. 866. Pittsburgh. Kenny Pickett. 6
The Panthers’ choice now becomes even easier. The only realistic way they don’t take a quarterback is if a top tackle is on the board. With the top three now drafted, it makes taking a quarterback that much more sensical. The real question is which quarterback will they go after, as they have their pick of the position.
If I had to guess, Kenny Pickett would be the choice. While his ceiling isn’t as high as some in this class, Pickett has a pretty high floor. As well, he is the most pro-ready option in this draft. The Panthers don’t have a lot of time to wait for a quarterback to develop, as Matt Rhule is on the hot seat. They move forward with Pickett in hopes that he can save the coaching staff from being fired next season.