The Indianapolis Colts selected safety, Nick Cross in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Colts also drafted safety Rodney Thomas II, in the seventh round of this draft. During the 2022 season, Cross earned the starting role due to his performance in training camp and the preseason. He was supposed to be the rookie safety alongside, then, third-year safety Julian Blackmon. Unfortunately, Cross struggled early and Thomas came in and made an impact early. Going into the 2023 season, Thomas overshadowed Cross. This was, however, until late in the season when Cross finally showcased the glimpses of brilliance that he showed as a rookie in the 2022 offseason.
In this year’s offseason, ESPN has Nick Cross listed as the Colts starting safety alongside Julian Blackmon. Rodney Thomas II is listed as the backup behind Cross. NFL.com posted an article back in May that has Cross as the projected starting safety over Thomas. It is time for Nick Cross to finally shine as the safety the Colts anticipated he would be when they drafted him with the 96th overall pick. He has more pressure and expectations mounted on him, but his skill set and supporting cast could help him progress and produce.
Why Nick Cross Can Be the Colts Starting Safety
His Production Thus Far
Nick Cross was a third-round draft pick in 2022. Reason being was due to his production in college at the University of Maryland. In his junior year and final season at Maryland, Cross finished with 45 solo tackles, three interceptions, four passes defended, and two forced fumbled. In the Big Ten Conference, his interceptions ranked eighth, and his forced fumbles ranked fifth. He did not receive any awards in college, but the skills he showcased made the Colts believe he can be a productive safety in the NFL.
Cross has a total of four starts in his NFL career but has over 30 games appearances in his career. In the 2023 season, he recorded his first interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also finished with 24 total tackles, one tackle for loss, 15 assisted tackles, and two passes defended. Cross received considerable playing time on the field when Julian Blackmon went down with an injury in week 16. From that point, he would be the starter in the two remaining games against of the season against the Las Vegas Raiders and the Houston Texans.
His Competition With Rodney Thomas II
As the 2024 offseason has progressed, reports appear to have Nick Cross as the frontrunner to be the starting safety for the Colts. This is due in large part to the disappointing season Rodney Thomas II had last year. Thomas splashed onto the scene as a rookie in 2022. Unfortunately, though, he struggled to produce in 2023 at that same level. Both Cross and Thomas are very young in age and experience. Therefore, they both have a lot to learn about this game and this league.
The one area on defense that struggled the most last season was the secondary. Therefore, during training camp, a lot of eyes will be on this battle for the starting safety role. Both Cross and Thomas have chips on their shoulders. Thomas is looking at a demotion, and Cross is looking to redeem himself from his rookie season. Nonetheless, the Colts only have room for one other starting safety to be paired up with Blackmon. This battle for the second starting safety role will be an intriguing matchup during training camp.
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