Relentless Drive: The Unseen Force Behind Every Champion
Howard Cross III: Collegiate Profile and Early Career Foundations
Howard Cross III, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 285 pounds, enters the professional arena at 24 years old. A product of Notre Dame, where he gained one year of professional experience, Cross hails from Paramus, New Jersey. His current contract with the Bengals is a 1-year deal valued at $1,005,000, with an identical cap hit for the 2026 season.
Undrafted Yet Undeterred: Cross's Path to the Bengals
Despite an impressive collegiate career, Howard Cross III went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the Cincinnati Bengals recognized his potential, signing him as an undrafted free agent. This path is not uncommon for successful NFL players, proving that draft status doesn't always dictate future achievements. Cross possesses a unique advantage, having played three seasons under current Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden at Notre Dame, providing him with a strong grasp of the team's defensive strategies.
Collegiate Achievements: A Track Record of Dominance
During his six seasons at Notre Dame, Cross participated in 65 games, accumulating 169 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. His exceptional performance earned him Second-Team All-American honors in both 2023 and 2024, and he played a pivotal role in guiding Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. These accomplishments underscore his consistent impact and high level of play in college football.
Confronting Perceptions: Size Versus Skill on the Gridiron
Cross's collegiate success was often overshadowed by concerns regarding his size for a professional interior offensive lineman. However, what critics couldn't deny were his exceptional effort, leverage, hand techniques, and profound football intelligence. These attributes allowed him to become one of the most disruptive interior defenders in college football. In his rookie season, Cross spent most of his time on the Bengals' practice squad, eventually appearing in four games, where he recorded four tackles and recovered his first NFL fumble in the final game against Cleveland.
Future Prospects: Emerging as a Key Defensive Contributor
The Bengals have been actively reinforcing their defensive line, creating an opportunity for a player like Cross to step up. While an immediate starting role isn't expected, Cross has the potential to become a valuable rotational defensive tackle. His ability to consistently generate pressure and play with maximum effort makes him a crucial asset for any successful defense. If he can continue to enhance his strength while retaining the explosiveness that defined his Notre Dame career, the Bengals may have uncovered a hidden gem who will significantly outperform his undrafted status.
