Top 25 Seattle Seahawks Going into 2026 NFL Season: #8 Charles Cross

Charles Cross might be one of the most underrated offensive tackles in the league.

Nov 2, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Charles Cross (67) looks on from the sidelines against the Washington Commanders during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

There were several reasons why the Russell Wilson era was over after the 2021 NFL Season. One of the biggest was that the Seahawks couldn't build a sustainable offensive line with him taking up so much of the salary cap. They started over by trading him for a collection of picks, including offensive tackle Charles Cross, who has become one of the top blindside tackles in the NFC West.

After helping lead the Seahawks’ young, but talented, offensive line to a stable performance going to the Super Bowl, Cross is capable of achieving more than team success. He is capable of a couple of individual achievements, like a Pro Bowl bid, as long as he remains healthy. Cross is under a new contract and the right new offensive coordinator to help more recognized as the tenacious blocker he is.

Why Cross Could Be Ranked Higher?

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Charles Cross (67) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cross had a big task ahead of him last season to protect the blindside of new quarterback Sam Darnold, maintain a dynamic backfield and be a leader on the offensive line. He was solid in the first 14 regular-season games, but missed three games in the regular season due to a hamstring injury.

He finished the regular season with a 73.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (30th of 89 offensive tackles in the league), 76.9 in pass-block grade (18 of 89) and a run-block grade of 66.7 (43 of 89). Cross committed only five penalties, while allowing two sacks and four pressures. He did, however, allow 24 pressures.

The Seahawks will keep much of their offense, including multiple running backs and multiple tight ends. Offensive coordinator Brian Fleury will have more unique spread looks and get more pass-catchers involved. It will also be a more offensive line-favored format with zone-blocking schemes. This will be an offense where Cross can really thrive with the Seahawks’ dynamic schemes and show how consistent he can be.

Why Cross Could Be Ranked Lower?

Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cross had a stellar season in pass-protection, but he is coming off a considerably down year in run-blocking. This is a concern as the Seahawks remain a serious rushing offense with a rookie as a first-string running back. He has some tendencies to adjust slowly in run-blocking, which could cause disruption at the line of scrimmage.

Despite the fact that he got his contract extension this offseason, there is still a lot of development for him to be done. He hasn't hit the elite threshold that most top-ten selected offensive tackles fall under.

This season is a good opportunity for him to earn that Pro-Bowl level of recognition. He has been good enough to be a top-tier player, but he needs to be great for the Seahawks' offense to thrive from start to finish of the season.