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Indy’s first defensive draft pick, Nick Cross, has a message for the Colts

By Jaleel Grandberry

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 26: Nick Cross #3 of the Maryland Terrapins lines up against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCFBank Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 26: Nick Cross #3 of the Maryland Terrapins lines up against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCFBank Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /
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The Indianapolis Colts traded into the third round on Friday night to draft safety Nick Cross, the first defensive player selected by Indy.

As expected, offense was the theme for the Indianapolis Colts with their first few draft picks. Indy selected wide receiver Alec Pierce in the second round, and tight end Jelani Woods and linemen Bernhard Raimann in the third.

It appeared as if the Colts were done for the night with their three offensive players but they weren’t satisfied. Chris Ballard traded back into the third round, giving Indy its third third-round selection of the night.

However, Indianapolis used this 96th-overall pick to draft a defender, selecting safety Nick Cross from the University of Maryland.

Indy documented the moment Chris Ballard made the call and Nick Cross had a message for the franchise that just selected him.

Nick Cross tells Colts they won’t regret drafting him

Ballard let Cross know that he traded a pick from next year’s Draft to be able to move up and select him on Friday night. Cross’ response was simple, “You won’t regret it.”

Cross will be added to a developing secondary where he’ll have the opportunity to deliver on his statement. He’ll provide the Colts with much-needed depth at safety.

In three seasons at Maryland, Cross played in 27 games and used his 4.34 speed to wreak havoc around the field. He recorded 88 tackles, 5.5 for a loss, four sacks, and had five interceptions.

He routinely demonstrated the ability to fly downhill and make big hits, as well as roaming the secondary to break up passes. If he’s going to break into Indy’s rotation, he has to consistently be able to do both of those.

The Colts have to be prepared to stop the Titans’ run game in the division and Indy also must be prepared to limit the many elite passing attacks in the AFC.

Nick Cross is ready to help the Colts do both of those things.

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