2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Nick Cross
- Position: Safety
- School: Maryland
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 212lbs
Film Watched: Illinois 2021, West Virginia 2021, Minnesota 2021
Pro's:
- Big safety. Frame stacked with muscle mass
- Brutal hitter – determined to leave his mark on every opponent
- Thrives coming down into the box, defeating down blocks and tackling the ball carrier
- Hair raising straight line speed – will break on the football quickly and urgently
- Versatile – aligned all over the back end for Maryland, and even played some linebacker
- Effective blitzer who will shoot through gaps & penetrate the pocket
- Can erase big slot threats with power in man coverage
- Has a nose for the football – three interceptions in his final year at Maryland
Nick Cross is a FS prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.9 RAS at the Combine out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 9 out of 788 FS from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/WrB6AwiICy #RAS via @Mathbomb pic.twitter.com/pp0p8Tags0
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 7, 2022
Con's:
- A little stiff. Reactions at the top of zone coverage sluggish
- Aggression at contact can sometimes get him into trouble – broken tackles have given up big yards
- Still developing instincts and technique – can take poor angles to the football
- Understanding of route combos an obvious need for improvement
- Inconsistent motor – benched during one game for lack of effort
The Verdict:
“Anyone looking for a versatile safety with eye popping measurables and a ton of upside might have Nick Cross in their sights; the former Maryland defensive back leaves The Terps a little unseasoned but with undoubted NFL traits that will appeal to scouts. Big, brawny and physical, Cross does his best work coming down to the football, where he can harness that explosion and speed and transfer it into power at the point of contact. His college tape shows a prospect who has done a bit of everything, and is likely a good fit for a defense looking for someone they can give a diverse job description close to the line of scrimmage. Cross is far from ready to start day one, and doesn’t have the nous or experience to make up for some lack of agility in pass coverage. But he’s a prospect with a high ceiling that likely comes off the board on day two.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: DARNELL SAVAGE
PREDICTION: 3RD ROUND PICK
Rated 5 out of 5