Can Howard Cross III become the Bengals' next undrafted gem? It's an intriguing question, especially for those who appreciate the underdogs of the NFL. Cross, a former Notre Dame standout, has an opportunity to prove that his size isn't nearly as important as his relentless motor. At 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds, he might not be the biggest defensive tackle, but his effort, leverage, hand usage, and football intelligence are traits that made him one of college football's most disruptive interior defenders. Personally, I think that Cross has the potential to become the Bengals' next undrafted gem, but it won't be an easy journey. The Bengals have spent the past offseason rebuilding their defensive line, and there's still room for another contributor to emerge. Cross has the advantage of having played under current Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden at Notre Dame, giving him a thorough understanding of Golden's defensive concepts. However, his biggest obstacle has never been production; it has been perception. Many NFL teams questioned whether he had the size to consistently hold up against professional interior offensive linemen. But if Cross can continue developing his strength while maintaining the explosiveness that made him so successful at Notre Dame, the Bengals may have found another overlooked talent who outplays his draft status. What makes this particularly fascinating is the idea that draft position has never determined NFL success. Cross arrives with an advantage that few rookies possess, and if he can prove himself, it could be a significant win for the Bengals. In my opinion, Cross has the tools to become a valuable rotational defensive tackle, but it will take time and hard work. He'll need to continue developing his strength and maintaining his explosiveness while also proving that his size isn't a hindrance. If he can do that, the Bengals may have found another undrafted gem who can make a significant impact on their defense. What many people don't realize is that Cross' success at Notre Dame wasn't just about his physical attributes. It was also about his mental toughness and ability to read the game. He was able to anticipate plays and make plays happen, which is a trait that can be transferred to the NFL. If Cross can bring that same level of intelligence and effort to the Bengals, he could be a real game-changer. One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of understanding defensive concepts. Cross' experience playing under Al Golden gives him a unique advantage, and if he can apply those concepts in the NFL, he could be a force to be reckoned with. If you take a step back and think about it, the Bengals' decision to sign Cross as an undrafted free agent is a smart one. It shows that they're willing to take a chance on a player who might not have been drafted, but who has the potential to make a significant impact. This raises a deeper question: How often do NFL teams overlook talented players because of their draft status? It's a question that deserves more attention, and Cross' story is a great example of why. A detail that I find especially interesting is the role of perception in the NFL. Cross' size might have been a concern for some teams, but his effort and intelligence were never in question. It's a reminder that NFL teams should always look beyond the physical attributes and consider the whole player. What this really suggests is that the Bengals have an opportunity to find a hidden gem in Cross. If he can continue to develop and prove himself, he could be a valuable asset to their defense. In conclusion, Howard Cross III has the potential to become the Bengals' next undrafted gem. His size might be a concern, but his effort, intelligence, and experience make him a player to watch. If he can continue to develop and prove himself, the Bengals may have found another overlooked talent who can make a significant impact on their defense.
