Maryland's Nick Cross posts best 40 time among safeties at NFL Combine
Nick Cross showed off some incredible burst during the 40-yard dash at this year’s NFL Combine.
The former Maryland star participated in the 40-yard dash over the weekend and raised some eyebrows with his impressive speed. Cross clocked a 4.34 official time in the drill, the fastest safety time this year.
The next-fastest time was 4.36, which multiple safeties posted over the weekend. Below is the clip of Cross’ impressive time, which was initially logged as a 4.40 time.
CROSSed the line fast.
4.40u for @Nick_Cross26! pic.twitter.com/Cgp35LVwnG
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) March 6, 2022
Top official 40 times among second group of defensive backs at #NFLCombine:
1) Nick Cross, @TerpsFootball, 4.34
T-2) Tycen Anderson, @ToledoFB, 4.36
T-2) Percy Butler, @RaginCajunsFB, 4.36
T-2) JT Woods, @BUFootball, 4.36
5) Lewis Cine, @GeorgiaFootball, 4.37— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) March 6, 2022
Cross ended his final season at Maryland in impressive fashion. He was the team’s second-leading tackler with 67 stops and was tied for most interceptions at 3. He also had 4 pass break-ups, 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles during a 7-6 season for the Terrapins.
He played well in the season finale against Virginia Tech in the Pinstripe Bowl, totaling 3 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in a blowout victory.
Cross is an under-the-radar safety in this draft class, likely because of Maryland’s struggles defensively. But he’s an athletic prospect with plenty of upside at the next level. Scouts saw a little glimpse of that over the weekend.