Nick Cross 2022 NFL Draft Profile

The 2022 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Nick Cross 2022 NFL Draft Profile.

Nick Cross Background

Position: Safety

Size: 6-foot, 212 pounds

Class: Junior

2021 stats: 66 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, 3 interceptions, 2 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles

Cross made big plays for Maryland over three seasons. Now, he is an intriguing safety prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft.

After being a four-star recruit, Cross decided to stay in his home state to play for the Terrapins. He cracked the starting lineup for five games as a freshman, producing 45 total tackles, two interceptions and five passes defended overall. Unfortunately, the Terrapins went just 3-9 that season. In a COVID-shortened 2020, Cross had 23 tackles and three passes defended. Maryland was 2-3 in their five games. His 2021 season was impressive with 66 total tackles, three interceptions and two passes defended. Cross led the Terrapins to a bowl game and 7-6 overall record.

Following the season, Cross declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.

Nick Cross Strengths

At 6-foot and 212 pounds, Cross has great size for an NFL safety. He is still light enough to cover, but has the size to come in and play in the box if he wishes. With his size comes solid arm length at 31 and 1/2-inch arms, which helps him tackle and in coverage.

Cross has good speed for a safety. He ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and that speed does show up on tape. His speed is very clear, especially when he closes on a target. In a linear way, Cross can use his speed very well.

He is not afraid to use both his size and speed to lay down some big hits. Cross is a solid tackler, but can really set the tone with his big hits. Whether it is breaking up a passing play or coming downhill to play the run, offensive players need to know where he is or they could get blindsided.

Nick Cross Weaknesses

Cross has some tight hips that limits his ability to change directions. As mentioned, he is fast in straight-line situations, but when he needs to change directions, it really limits his speed. Quarterbacks can take advantage of this if Cross has his hips flipped away from their target.

He can work on seeing the whole field at the next level. There are times where he doesn’t anticipate routes and he can be beaten. Sometimes he can lock in on one area and end up out of position. Cross can improve his awareness at the next level to clean up busted coverages.

While he loves laying down big hits, he can be overzealous. Sometimes he can miss tackles because he is going for a big hit, when he should wrap up with a good form tackle. He needs to find the balance of hitting hard, but also making sure he completes the play.

Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick

Make sure to check out our brand new NFL Draft page for more content like the Nick Cross 2022 NFL Draft Profile!

You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!