NFL insider sees top-five potential for crucial Seattle Seahawks contributor

The Seattle Seahawks could be a serious darkhorse team in the NFC field this year. There's a couple of big IFs that need to come through for that to happen, though. First, new starting quarterback Sam Darnold has to play at least somewhat close to the breakout level he did last season with the Minnesota Vikings. Second, Seattle's offensive line hasto keep him alive lone enough to do so.

That second part of the equation is the great question mark this year for the Seahawks, who have a defensive genius as a head coach and a loaded unit at all three levels on that side of the ball. Meanwhile on offense there are precious few sure things to rely on.

For Seattle to take that next step and become a real conference contender again, they'll need some crucial starters to step up - especially left tackle Charles Cross. According to Albert Breer at Sports Illustrated, he sees top-five potential in Seattle's former top-10 overall pick. Here's what he told Seattle Sports radio about it earlier this week.

Albert Breer: Charles Cross could be top-5 LT

"I actually think the roster is pretty decent... They sort of strike me like the Packers in this way where they’ve done a good job over the last few years of drafting solid players onto the roster. Now the question is, can some of those guys elevate to another level... Charles Cross looks to me like a guy who’s got the potential to elevate into a top-five left tackle. Can he become that?”