The Indianapolis Colts spent the spring, training camp and preseason trying to figure out their safety tandem.
It seems they have their answer.
In speaking to reporters Tuesday, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley revealed third-year safety Nick Cross will be the starter next to Julian Blackmon.
While it's easy to pigeon-hole both players into typical free and strong safety roles, it's likely that both players will work at both spots throughout the season.
Cross was a third-round pick with the Colts in the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite having three third-round picks at the time, the Colts traded back into the third round late on Day 2 in order to select Cross.
Entering the NFL as a 20-year-old, Cross is still extremely young as he enters his age-23 season.
The Maryland product has had quite the learning curve since entering the NFL. He had the starting job to begin his rookie campaign but struggled mightily during the first few games.
He was then benched and relegated to special teams work for the remainder of his rookie season after three games as a starter.
He held that same role for the majority of the 2023 season before emerging as the better option over fellow third-year safety Rodney Thomas II during the final month of the season.
Now, Cross has earned the starting safety role opposite Blackmon, and it will be a crucial season for his future.
The safety position for the Colts is a massive question mark but if Cross develops into the player they think he can be, the entire secondary will benefit.
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