Nick Cross Ranks 31st Among Safeties for Indianapolis Colts

In the NFL, rankings of defensive backs often highlight the league’s most explosive playmakers, but for the Indianapolis Colts’ Nick Cross, securing the 31st spot among NFL safeties in 2024 stands as a testament to his steady growth and critical role in a improving secondary. Cross, a third-year player drafted by the Colts in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has evolved from a raw prospect with elite athleticism to a reliable starter who can impact both pass coverage and run defense. Nick Cross Ranks 31st Among Safeties for Indianapolis Colts is more than a number on a list; it’s a recognition of his ability to limit mistakes, make timely plays, and adapt to the Colts’ defensive scheme—traits that have become increasingly valuable as the team looks to shore up its pass defense. The ranking, which factors in metrics like coverage efficiency, tackle accuracy, and playmaking rate, places Cross among the league’s emerging safeties, bridging the gap between rotational contributors and established stars. For the Colts, who have struggled to find consistency at safety in recent years, Cross’s ascent offers a glimmer of stability in a unit that’s still finding its footing.

Nick Cross Ranks 31st Among Safeties for Indianapolis Colts is driven by his standout performance in pass coverage, where he’s transformed from a liability as a rookie to a dependable option against both tight ends and slot receivers. In 2024, Cross allowed just a 61% completion rate when targeted—down from 73% in his rookie season—and surrendered an average of 6.2 yards per target, well below the league average of 8.1 yards for safeties. His ability to read quarterbacks’ eyes and anticipate routes has improved dramatically; he recorded 11 pass breakups this season, more than doubling his total from 2023, and added 2 interceptions, including a game-sealing pick in the fourth quarter of a Week 10 win over the Tennessee Titans. What sets Cross apart this season is his discipline in zone coverage: he no longer bites on play-action fakes as frequently, instead staying glued to his assignments and closing quickly on receivers when the ball is thrown. PFF, which contributes to many national safety rankings, gave Cross a 72.3 coverage grade in 2024—up 10 points from his rookie year—highlighting his progress as a cover safety. This growth has made him a favorite of Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who often trusts Cross to cover opposing teams’ top tight ends in one-on-one situations.

Nick Cross Ranks 31st Among Safeties for Indianapolis Colts also reflects his underappreciated impact in run defense, a facet of the game where many young safeties struggle but Cross has excelled. At 6’1” and 215 pounds, Cross combines the size to tackle ball carriers in the open field with the speed to chase down runners from the backside. In 2024, he recorded 87 total tackles—12 more than his 2023 total—and missed just 5 tackles all season, giving him a 94% tackle accuracy rate that ranks 12th among all safeties. His ability to fill gaps in the run game has been crucial for the Colts, who often use Cross as a “box safety” in short-yardage situations, where he lines up close to the line of scrimmage to stop runs or blitz the quarterback. In a Week 6 win over the Houston Texans, Cross’s run defense was on full display: he made 10 tackles, including 2 for loss, and stopped Texans running back Dameon Pierce on a critical fourth-and-1 play in the third quarter. This versatility—being able to contribute in both run and pass defense—sets Cross apart from many safeties in his ranking tier, who often specialize in one area but struggle in the other.

Nick Cross Ranks 31st Among Safeties for Indianapolis Colts has a direct influence on the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive strategy, allowing Bradley to design more aggressive game plans that leverage Cross’s versatility. The Colts now use Cross in a variety of roles: he lines up as a free safety in base sets, shifts to strong safety in nickel packages, and even moves into the box as a pseudo-linebacker in short-yardage situations. This flexibility has made the Colts’ defense harder to predict; opposing offenses can’t simply game-plan for Cross to play one position, as he’s equally capable of dropping into deep coverage or rushing the quarterback. For example, in a Week 14 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bradley used Cross as a blitzer on 12% of his snaps—a career high—resulting in 1 sack and 2 quarterback hits that disrupted Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s rhythm. The Indianapolis Colts’ secondary, which ranked 22nd in pass defense in 2023, has climbed to 16th in 2024, and Cross’s ability to play multiple roles has been a key factor in that improvement. By relying on Cross to handle diverse assignments, the Colts can keep other defensive backs in their comfort zones, reducing mistakes and improving overall unit performance.

Nick Cross Ranks 31st Among Safeties for Indianapolis Colts also highlights his role as a leader in a young secondary that includes rookies and second-year players still learning the ropes. Cross, who is just 24 years old, has taken on a mentorship role with younger safeties like sixth-round pick Jaylon Jones, sharing film study tips and helping Jones refine his technique in practice. He’s also become more vocal on the field, calling out adjustments to the secondary during games and ensuring his teammates are aligned correctly before the snap. This leadership was evident in a Week 8 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where Cross kept the secondary focused despite facing Patrick Mahomes and a high-powered passing attack; he made 9 tackles, broke up 2 passes, and prevented a touchdown by knocking the ball out of a Chiefs receiver’s hands in the end zone. The Indianapolis Colts’ coaching staff has noticed Cross’s growing leadership; head coach Shane Steichen recently praised him for “setting the tone in practice and bringing energy to the locker room,” noting that his work ethic has rubbed off on other players. For a Colts secondary that lacks veteran stars, Cross’s ability to lead by example has been just as important as his on-field performance.

Nick Cross Ranks 31st Among Safeties for Indianapolis Colts is a sign of even greater potential to come, as he continues to refine his skills and take on more responsibility. Analysts who compiled the ranking have noted that Cross could crack the top 20 as early as next season if he improves his playmaking rate—specifically, turning more pass breakups into interceptions—and maintains his consistency in coverage. For the Indianapolis Colts, Cross’s development is a critical part of their long-term defensive plan; with starting safety Julian Blackmon set to become a free agent after 2025, Cross is poised to take over as the unit’s centerpiece. The Colts’ front office has already shown confidence in Cross, declining to pursue high-priced free agent safeties in the 2024 offseason and instead investing in his development through extra practice reps and one-on-one coaching. Nick Cross Ranks 31st Among Safeties for Indianapolis Colts is more than a milestone—it’s a preview of what could be a standout career. As Cross continues to grow into a complete safety, he has the potential to become one of the NFL’s best at his position, and a cornerstone of the Colts’ defense for years to come. For a team still searching for defensive identity, Cross’s ascent offers a clear path forward.