As NFL draft approaches, Maryland football safety Nick Cross sees his dream inching closer to reality: ‘It’s right in front of him’

Michael Cross remembers it prefer it was yesterday. He remembers his son and Maryland soccer security Nick Cross sitting in entrance of the tv as a baby, watching Washington’s NFL crew play on Sundays.

Michael recollects the enjoyment on his son’s face as he watched former Washington security Sean Taylor torment opponents and the tears that streamed from Cross’s eyes each time they misplaced.

As Cross is days away from the 2022 NFL draft, Michael is full of nothing however pleasure and happiness, understanding his son’s goals of taking part in professionally are near actuality.

“It’s proper in entrance of him,” Michael mentioned. “He’s fulfilling his dream.”

Michael mentioned Cross’ determination to both enter the draft or return to Maryland for his senior season was a tough one. He mentioned Cross loved the school atmosphere and believed he had extra to perform. However, after speaking to brokers, Cross realized it was finest to play professionally.

“The chance is right here now to grab the second,” Michael mentioned. “It was getting a variety of discussions, a variety of agonizing with him, particularly, [and] the household, simply attempting to make it possible for the best determination was being made.”

Since declaring for the draft, Cross has saved an even-keeled strategy. Even after impressing on the NFL scouting mix by operating the 40-yard sprint in 4.34 seconds, the quickest amongst safeties, he has saved the identical calm and humble perspective he displayed whereas at Maryland.

“Hundreds of thousands of children have a dream of going to the NFL, however solely a choose few individuals get the chance to play within the NFL,” Cross mentioned throughout Maryland’s professional day. “I’m grateful and blessed to be a kind of few.”

Cross, a three-time All-Huge Ten honorable point out choice, performed in 29 video games for the Terps, totaling 134 tackles and 5 interceptions. Final season, Cross completed second on the crew in tackles (66), together with 3 1/2 for loss, whereas including three sacks, 4 move breakups and three takeaways. His inventory has been on the rise ever since.

Maryland coach Mike Locksley believes Cross is a singular prospect due to his capability to play completely different elements of the sector. Based on Professional Soccer Focus, Cross performed 281 snaps as a field security, 420 at free security, 53 as a slot nook and 24 out large.

“He’s a mix man that [can] play within the center third of the sector, but in addition come down and be a bodily presence within the field,” Locksley mentioned. “I believe that’s what NFL groups which can be evaluating him are enthusiastic about.”

One other trait that Cross has benefited from is that he’s nonetheless comparatively new to the sport. He wasn’t allowed to play soccer till he went to DeMatha, however that by no means stopped him from learning Taylor and former Ravens security Ed Reed’s highlights on YouTube.

At DeMatha, Cross performed three completely different positions, beginning as a defensive lineman earlier than transitioning to linebacker and eventually security. Maryland operating backs coach Elijah Brooks, who coached the Bowie resident in highschool, mentioned Cross’ dedication to mastering every place he performed stood out greater than something.

“His dedication to be taught the ability set in order that he will be productive goes to take him a good distance,” Brooks mentioned.

NFL Community and draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes Cross can develop right into a starter within the league. He mentioned Cross is fluid on his toes and an efficient tackler and blitzer. Intuition-wise, Jeremiah feels Cross is “a rely late” in comparison with different safeties within the draft.

Jeremiah predicts Cross might be taken within the third spherical, however wouldn’t be stunned if he will get drafted within the second.

“The athleticism to have the ability to man cowl is large proper now at that place,” Jeremiah mentioned. “I believe he’s going to be participant.”

ESPN and The Athletic have projected Cross going within the third spherical, whereas CBS Sports activities has the Cincinnati Bengals drafting him within the second spherical with the 63rd general decide of their newest mock draft.

Despite the fact that Cross grew up a Washington fan, he’s prepared to play for any crew that enables him to stay out his lifelong dream.

“Any crew that provides me the chance, I might be ceaselessly grateful,” Cross mentioned.

Locksley mentioned he had conversations with a number of NFL basic managers, telling them that Cross has simply scratched the floor.

“I believe you’ll proceed to see him develop the subsequent few years, the place he has an opportunity to have a big-time profession within the NFL,” Locksley mentioned.

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