Cross, Okonkwo Set to Participate in the NFL Scouting Combine
2/9/2022 12:12:00 PM | Football
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – University of Maryland defensive back Nick Cross and tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo will participate in the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine.
The combine will run March 1-7 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Okonkwo will take part on the first day of the on-field workouts, Thursday, March 3, beginning at 4:00 p.m. Cross will close the combine out on Sunday, March 6, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The NFL Network and NFL.com will have coverage of the entire combine.
Tentative 2022 NFL Scouting Combine On-Field Workout Schedule:
- Thursday, March 3 – Tight Ends, Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers
- Friday, March 4 – Offensive Linemen, Running Backs
- Saturday, March 5 – Defensive Linemen, Linebackers
- Sunday, March 6 – Defensive Backs, Kickers, Special Teamers
Cross is a three-time All-Big Ten selection that is rated as the seventh best safety in the draft according to Pro Football Focus. He started all 13 games at safety for the Terps during his junior season in 2021. Cross stood second on the team with 66 tackles (44 solo) and led Maryland with three interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Cross was also a disruptive force in opposing team's backfields, posting 3.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in 2021. In his final game in a Terrapin uniform, Cross forced a fumble that was recovered by defensive lineman Greg Rose and returned for a touchdown to help Maryland defeat Virginia Tech in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.
Okonkwo, who impressed at East-West Shrine Bowl practices last week, had a stellar 2021 season for the record-breaking Terps passing offense. He hauled in 52 receptions for 447 yards and five touchdowns during his senior campaign.
Okonkwo ranked first in the Big Ten in receptions in conference games (41) and second in receiving touchdowns (five). He hauled in 12 receptions against Penn State, marking the second most catches in a game by any Big Ten player this season. Okonkwo's 112 receiving yards at Michigan State were the second most by any tight end in a Big Ten game this season.
The 2022 NFL Draft is set for April 28-30 in Las Vegas.
