I'm not sure I see that, honestly.
I think Neal is that dude. If he's there at 9, I'd say sprint to the podium and shed a tear for missing out on freakish abomination Jordan Davis.
Ekwonu and Cross, though... I've got some questions.
Cross is a great pass protector and mirrors very impressively, but he's got limited athletic upside. This isn't disqualifying, but I don't know how much ceiling is there. Will he ever be a top-5 tackle without that raw athleticism to draw upon?
Ekwonu is nasty, but he's not polished and also doesn't have much length to fall back on. I'd have questions about him being that franchise cornerstone LT as well.
I'd be happy with either, but I don't think they're guys that you only get a chance to draft once in a decade. I don't think either of them reach the level of a guy like Rashawn Slater, who is the type of player I expect to see 9th overall.
If I had to guess, I'd bet they see Neal and Penning as the top tackle prospects. Ekwonu next. Cross and Abe Lucas after.