One of many extra complicated developments for the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 was the dearth of taking part in time for rookie third-round choose Nick Cross.
Regardless of the elite athleticism and the truth that he was making performs throughout coaching camp and the preseason, Cross wound up shedding the beginning security position simply three weeks into his rookie marketing campaign.
Whereas talking with reporters Wednesday, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley detailed what stored the Maryland product from seeing the sector.
“He’s extraordinarily gifted, he’s quick, he’s received the flexibility. Now it’s simply taking part in quick on the sector. That half we didn’t see to start with of the yr. We felt like he was considering so much,” Bradley stated of Cross.
The bodily instruments definitely are there for Cross. He has the dimensions and elite velocity and explosiveness to be a robust starter in Bradley’s protection. However the processing and play velocity features of his sport had been missing.
It’s one factor to have elite bodily traits on the NFL mix. It’s a completely completely different story with regards to successfully utilizing these traits on the sector. The whole lot occurs so rapidly on a soccer discipline that even one of the best athletes battle in the event that they’re considering an excessive amount of.
“The dialog was extra about doing issues proper reasonably than simply reacting and it slowed him down some. I believe because the season went on, conversations in direction of the tip, it was extra like ‘I felt it. I do know what that appears like now.’ The place you’re considering an excessive amount of and never taking part in as quick as possibly I did in school,” Bradley stated. “So, if he can acknowledge that, personal that and say now within the subsequent yr, let’s get again to taking part in quick.”
Cross was a younger prospect getting into the league. He’s nonetheless simply 21 years previous so there’s nonetheless hope he can bounce again from a disappointing rookie season.
However this shall be an enormous yr by way of his growth, particularly now that he has a full season of working in Bradley’s defensive scheme.
Like Colts Wire on Fb
Comply with Colts Wire on Twitter
Comply with Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)