As the college football season barrels toward its finish, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Howard Cross III.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Howard Cross III

Howard Cross III (DL – Notre Dame)

6’0″ – 288 lbs.

Background:

Father played tight end for the Giants from 1989-2001. Rotated lightly into the defense for the first two seasons he was in Notre Dame, totaling 20 tackles over those two years, then played over 300 snaps in 2021, finishing with 22-4.5-3.0. Started seven of 12 games played in 2022, totaling 477 snaps and finishing with 33-2.5-2.0. Has made his fifth season by far his most productive.

Positives:

Has essentially two years of starting experience for a major program, with escalating output. Has lined up all over for the Irish, generally in the B-gap, but even playing some one-technique. Athletic defensive lineman who really brings it on a snap-to-snap basis, and has shown himself able to play high snap counts. Has the lateral quickness out of his stance to threaten gaps. Surprisingly powerful for his size, with an aggressive bull rush that shows excellent leg drive. Does a good job of locating the football.

Gets good extension with his arms to keep defenders out of his pads. Very active with his hands to work through traffic, showing the type of advanced technique you’d expect from a fifth-year player; able to shed at the appropriate time. Gives very good effort in pursuit, and is surprisingly rangy. Flashes the ability to make tackles while engaged. Lateral quickness allows him to shuffle on twists/stunts. Has the balance and flexibility to redirect back to the passer effectively. Shows an impressive closing burst.

Negatives:

On the small side for a pro defensive lineman, and may not have the frame to appeal to odd-front teams, which may limit his appeal. Aggressiveness can occasionally undermine run fits. Lack of ideal length limits his tackling ratio. Occasionally has some gather in his spin counter, negating its effectiveness; continues to grind away, but can get stuck on blocks when he doesn’t win out of his stance.

Summary:

A very impressive one-gap penetrator who combines impressive quickness out of his stance, very active hand use, and an excellent motor, traits which have allowed him to wreck some offensive gameplans in his excellent fifth season with the Irish. Lack of ideal size/length might limit his appeal to odd defenses and may be a bit too penetration-oriented for two-gap fronts. Nonetheless, looks like he could make an early impact as a rotational pass-rusher in sub-packages, and potentially develop into a starter.

Projection: Round 3-4