Former Maryland safety Nick Cross has been drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round, 96th overall. The Colts traded a 2023 third-round pick to take him.
Cross joins former Maryland defensive end Yannick Ngakoue and head coach Frank Reich in Indianapolis.
Cross becomes the first Terp drafted under Mike Locksley as the head coach of Maryland. Locksley has put players in the league leading up to his current tenure, but the former DeMatha product was a member in Locksley's first signing class. "It's always good because these kids are able to create value for themselves and it shows that you can come here to Maryland you can stay home and play for the hometown team and still be able to reach all the dreams you set for yourself,” Locksley said on Thursday.
Cross signed with Maryland over Florida State and Penn State back in 2019 and made an immediate impact. He played in all 12 games as a freshman and led the team in interceptions with two. A three-time All-Big Ten honorable mention selection, Cross repeated the feat in 2021 with three interceptions to go along with team-leading two forced fumbles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, four pass break-ups, and started all 13 games. Cross finished second on the team with 66 tackles.
Cross increased his draft stock when he ran the fastest 40 by a safety at the combine with a 4.34. He also had the fourth-best vertical and third-best broad jump among his position group.
Cross can play either strong or free safety in the NFL. He joins a safety room that includes free agent signee Rodney McLeod, Julian Blackman, and Khari Willis.
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