What's Happening?
Howard Cross III, a former standout at Notre Dame, is working to establish himself as a valuable player for the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite not being selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cross signed with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent. His familiarity
with Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden's system, from their time together at Notre Dame, gives him a unique advantage. During his college career, Cross played in 65 games, recording 169 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks, earning Second-Team All-American honors in 2023 and 2024. However, his size at 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds has led some NFL teams to question his ability to compete against professional interior offensive linemen. Despite these concerns, Cross's effort, leverage, hand usage, and football intelligence have been recognized as strengths. In his rookie season, he spent time on the Bengals' practice squad and appeared in four games, making four tackles and recovering a fumble.
Why It's Important?
The development of Howard Cross III is significant for the Bengals as they continue to rebuild their defensive line. His potential to become a reliable rotational defensive tackle could provide the team with a valuable asset. Players like Cross, who can consistently create pressure and play with high effort, are crucial for a successful defense. If Cross can enhance his strength while maintaining his explosiveness, he may become a key contributor, potentially outperforming his undrafted status. This scenario highlights the importance of player development and scouting beyond draft positions, as undrafted players can often become impactful team members.
What's Next?
As the Bengals prepare for the 2026 season, Cross will aim to secure a more prominent role on the team. His focus will likely be on improving his physical strength and maintaining his agility to meet the demands of professional play. The Bengals' coaching staff will continue to evaluate his progress and determine how best to utilize his skills within their defensive strategy. Cross's performance in upcoming training camps and preseason games will be critical in determining his position on the team roster.
