In the whirlwind of the 2022 NFL Draft, three offensive tackles emerged as the crown jewels of a highly competitive class: Charles Cross, Ickey Ekwonu, and Evan Neal. Each faced unique trajectories, but their paths have diverged dramatically since that pivotal moment.
Charles Cross, now a stalwart for the Seattle Seahawks, reflects on that fateful draft day with a mix of nostalgia and clarity. “It was, if I’m not mistaken, Evan to New York, Ickey to the Panthers, and me here to Seattle,” he recounted. However, a quick correction was necessary: Ekwonu was indeed the sixth overall pick to the Panthers, followed by Neal at seventh to the Giants, with Cross wrapping up the trio at ninth. Such a lineup showcased the teams’ ambitions to solidify their offensive lines, a crucial part of the game that often flies under the radar.
Fast forward to the present, and the outcomes of these selections tell a story of promise, potential, and pitfalls. Cross has not only started 62 games over four seasons but has also earned a substantial four-year contract extension worth $104.4 million, a testament to his growth and value within the Seahawks organization. Meanwhile, Ekwonu, who has started 64 games, saw his own future brightened by the Panthers exercising his fifth-year option, guaranteeing him $17.5 million for the 2026 season. However, that future hangs in the balance following a devastating ruptured patellar tendon suffered in a playoff loss against the Rams, raising questions about his recovery and impact moving forward.
On the flip side, Evan Neal’s journey has been fraught with challenges. Initially drafted with high expectations, the Giants envisioned him as a cornerstone of their offensive line, pairing him with Andrew Thomas at left tackle. However, Neal’s transition to the NFL has been rocky. Starting 13 games as a rookie, he struggled mightily, grappling with both injuries and inconsistent performances. The organization’s decision to shift him inside to guard in 2025 proved unsuccessful, culminating in a season where he did not take a single snap. At just 25 years old, Neal now faces the daunting task of revitalizing his career, likely elsewhere.
Reflecting on the class’s dynamics, Cross expressed admiration for his fellow linemen. “Ickey’s been playing really well for Carolina, I like his game a lot. Evan, I like his game a lot too; he just had a lot of injuries throughout his career.” This sentiment underscores the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where talent alone does not guarantee success. Cross aptly noted, “Everyone’s story is different,” emphasizing that adversity is an integral part of the journey.
As for the Giants, their decision-making in that draft has been scrutinized. The franchise could have selected Ekwonu at No. 5 but opted for edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux instead. This choice, compounded by Neal’s struggles, has left an indelible mark on the Giants’ offensive strategy and overall success. “I thought they would take me,” Cross admitted, recalling his interactions with New York during the draft process. Yet, he maintains a perspective of gratitude, acknowledging, “It’s in the past; they made their decision, no regrets. It all worked out.”
In the end, while Cross revels in the success of his draft class, the narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of football careers. The journey from college standout to NFL player is riddled with challenges, and for teams, the stakes are always high. As the sport evolves, the importance of selecting the right talent cannot be overstated—sometimes, it’s not just about who you pick, but how they fit into the bigger picture.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
