The Indianapolis Colts have rookie Nick Cross starting at safety and the young defensive back has been shining in preseason action.
Entering training camp, the Indianapolis Colts had a few rookies with eyes on them as they were expected to push for a starting spot. The majority of these players were on the offensive side of the ball. Whether it was Alec Pierce at receiver, Bernhard Raimann at left tackle, or the two massive tight ends, Jelani Woods and Drew Ogletree, everyone was excited to see how they would adjust to the league.
While those offensive players had the early headlines, it was Nick Cross, Indy’s first defensive selection of this past draft, that has been the most impressive rookie so far. Forced into the starting lineup after Khari Willis retired to pursue ministry, Cross has been showing that he was ready to be a starter regardless of the circumstance.
Since his first practice, when he intercepted Matt Ryan on the second play of camp, Cross has made a ton of plays. Now, his name has quickly grown from a rookie that Colts fans are expecting to be impactful, to one of the most anticipated defensive rookies league-wide.
Throughout the first two preseason games, Nick Cross is the highest-graded safety in the entire league. While all of the best safeties in the league aren’t playing a ton of snaps, this still speaks to how well Cross is adjusting to the pro game.
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Nick Cross is the highest-graded preseason safety
In addition to his grade, recently retired defensive back, Jason McCourty, gave a shoutout to Cross in a segment on Good Morning Football where McCourty was highlighting five defensive rookies that have been turning heads in the preseason. McCourty showed clips of Cross defending the pass and coming downhill to shed blockers and tackle runners.
In addition to his plays, McCourty also highlighted a quote from Stephon Gilmore talking about Cross. Gilmore said, “he’s always in the right position…he doesn’t act like a normal rookie to me and I think he’s going to help us out a lot.” So it seems like the young Cross is ahead of his years.
That bodes well for a Colts team that is ready to compete right now. Cross can jump into a stacked defense and immediately contribute. At the level he’s been playing, Cross may have his name in the race for Defensive Rookie of the Year at the end of the season, and more importantly, he will help Indianapolis be elite defensively.
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