Howard Cross III is an intriguing prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, bringing a unique blend of quickness, athleticism, and versatility to the defensive line position. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 288 pounds, Cross completed a productive six-year career at Notre Dame, earning Second-Team All-American honors in both 2023 and 2024.
Strengths
Explosiveness: Cross’s most notable attribute is his quick first step off the ball. He demonstrates excellent explosiveness, allowing him to get the jump on offensive linemen and penetrate the backfield. This quickness is particularly effective when slanting, enabling him to disrupt plays before they develop.
Athleticism: For a defensive lineman, Cross possesses above-average lateral movement skills. This athleticism allows him to be effective in pursuit and makes him a versatile piece along the defensive front.
Pass Rush Moves: Cross has developed a solid repertoire of pass-rush techniques. He effectively utilizes rip and swim moves to disengage from blockers, showcasing his technical proficiency. This variety in his pass-rushing arsenal helps compensate for his lack of size and makes him a threat on passing downs.
Motor: Cross demonstrates a high motor and never-quit attitude on the field. He consistently shows awareness of the play’s development and will pursue until the whistle blows. This relentless effort can lead to cleanup sacks and tackles.
Weaknesses
Size: At 6’1″ and 288 pounds, Cross is undersized for an interior defensive lineman in the NFL. This lack of prototypical size raises concerns about his ability to hold up against larger offensive linemen, particularly in run defense.
Anchoring: Due to his size limitations, Cross can struggle to anchor against double teams and down blocks. He may get blown off the ball when he doesn’t time the snap perfectly, which could be a significant liability against the run at the next level.
Functional Strength: While Cross has shown “sneaky strength” at times, his lack of functional power is evident when facing larger opponents. His bull rush is often ineffective, and he can be neutralized when his initial move is stopped.
Consistency: Cross’s use of hands in pass-rushing situations is inconsistent. This inconsistency, coupled with his size limitations, can lead to him being taken out of plays when his first move is unsuccessful.
NFL Projection
Howard Cross III projects as a mid to late Day 3 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. His ceiling at the professional level is likely that of a rotational player who can provide value in specific packages and situations.
Cross’s best fit in the NFL may be as a situational interior pass rusher in sub-packages where his quickness and array of moves can be maximized. Some teams may also consider moving him to defensive end to mitigate his size disadvantages, though this would require an adjustment period.
One interesting development at the 2025 NFL Combine was the request for Cross to work out at the fullback position. While this may be a long shot, it demonstrates that teams are intrigued by his athleticism and are exploring creative ways to utilize his skill set.
NFL Comparison
A fair NFL comparison for Howard Cross III is Braden Fiske, who was drafted in 2024. Both players share similar size limitations, exceptional first steps, and above-average athleticism for interior defensive linemen. Like Fiske, Cross will be 24 years old as a rookie, which may limit his perceived upside.
Conclusion
Howard Cross III enters the 2025 NFL Draft as an undersized but highly athletic defensive line prospect. His quickness, pass-rushing skills, and motor make him an intriguing late-round option for teams looking to add depth and situational playmaking ability to their defensive front.
However, Cross’s lack of size and strength will likely limit his role at the next level. He may struggle to be an every-down player due to his difficulties anchoring against the run and holding up to double teams. His best path to NFL success will be as a specialized pass-rusher in sub-packages or potentially as a converted defensive end.
Teams considering Cross will need to have a clear plan for how to maximize his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses. Creative defensive coordinators may find ways to utilize his quickness and motor in specific packages or even explore positional flexibility, as evidenced by the fullback workout request at the Combine.
Ultimately, Howard Cross III represents a high-effort, technically sound player with limitations. His draft position will likely fall in the later rounds, but he has the potential to carve out a role as a rotational player who can provide value in passing situations and on special teams. While he may not become a star, Cross’s work ethic and athleticism give him a chance to stick on an NFL roster and contribute in a specialized role.
