Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Nick Cross (Maryland) - 2022 NFL Draft Pick #96 by IND

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Nick Cross - 2022 NFL Draft

Position: Safety
College: Maryland

Overview

Nick Cross is a talented safety coming out of the University of Maryland known for his athleticism and playmaking ability. He has shown the potential to be a versatile defensive back at the next level.

Strengths

• Physical Tools: Cross possesses excellent size and speed for the safety position, standing at 6'0" and weighing around 210 pounds. His athleticism allows him to cover ground quickly and make plays on the ball.
• Ball Skills: He displays good hands and awareness when the ball is in the air, making him a threat for interceptions and pass breakups.
• Hard Hitter: Cross is not afraid to come up and support the run, showcasing solid tackling skills and the ability to deliver big hits.
• Versatility: Can be used in various roles, including as a deep safety, in the box, or even in nickel situations, which adds value to his draft stock.

Weaknesses

• Inconsistency: At times, Cross can be inconsistent in his tackling technique, which can lead to missed tackles and big plays for the offense.
• Coverage Skills: While he has the athleticism to cover receivers, his technique in man coverage needs refinement to be effective against NFL-caliber talent.
• Experience: With only a few years of starting experience, there may be a learning curve as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of the NFL game.

Overall Projection

Nick Cross is projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. His athletic profile and potential for development make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their secondary. Teams that value versatility and have a strong coaching staff will likely be interested in Cross as he has the tools to develop into a solid starter in the league.