Can Howard Cross III become the Bengals’ next undrafted gem? It's a question that's been on many football fans' minds since the former Notre Dame standout signed with Cincinnati as an undrafted free agent. With a 1-year, $1,005,000 contract, Cross has the opportunity to prove his worth and potentially become a key contributor for the Bengals' defense.
The Size vs. Motor Debate
One of the most intriguing aspects of Cross's profile is the ongoing debate about his size. Standing at 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds, some NFL teams have questioned whether he has the physical stature to hold his own against professional interior offensive linemen. However, what these teams can't deny is his relentless motor, effort, leverage, hand usage, and football intelligence. These traits, in my opinion, make him one of college football's most disruptive interior defenders.
A Familiar Face
Cross's familiarity with the Bengals' defensive coordinator, Al Golden, is another significant advantage. During his three seasons at Notre Dame, Cross played under Golden, gaining a deep understanding of his defensive concepts. This experience could be invaluable as he transitions to the professional level.
Production and Potential
Cross's production at Notre Dame speaks for itself. In six seasons, he appeared in 65 games, accumulating 169 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. His performance earned him Second-Team All-American honors in both 2023 and 2024, and he helped lead Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. While his draft position may have been overlooked, his talent and potential are undeniable.
The Bengals' Rebuilding Efforts
The Bengals' decision to sign Cross as an undrafted free agent could be seen as a strategic move in their ongoing defensive line rebuild. With Cross's understanding of Golden's defensive concepts and his own impressive production, he has the tools to become a valuable rotational defensive tackle. His ability to create pressure and play with maximum effort aligns with the team's goals for the upcoming season.
Overcoming the Draft Status
One thing that stands out is that Cross's draft status doesn't define his future success. Many undrafted players have gone on to have successful NFL careers, and Cross has the opportunity to become one of them. If he can continue developing his strength while maintaining his explosiveness, he may just outplay his draft status and become the Bengals' next undrafted gem.
