LAS VEGAS, Nev. – University of Maryland defensive back Nick Cross was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft on Friday evening.

With Cross' selection, the Terrapins have now had a player chosen in five straight and 26 of the last 28 NFL Drafts.

Cross was drafted with the 96th overall pick, becoming the highest Maryland player selected since Darnell Savage Jr. went in the first round at No. 21 overall to the Green Bay Packers in 2019. 

Maryland has had a defensive back selected in three of the last four drafts with Cross, Antoine Brooks Jr. (2020 to the Steelers) and Savage all being drafted. 

Cross is a three-time All-Big Ten selection that started all 13 games at safety for the Terps during his junior season in 2021. The Bowie native stood second on the team last season 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 Chine-Rose and returned for a touchdown to help Maryland defeat Virginia Tech in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. 

Cross, who attended nearby DeMatha Catholic before signing to play at Maryland during head coach Michael Locksley's first recruiting class in 2019, shined at the NFL Combine in February. He posted the fastest 40-yard dash time of any safety at the combine with a 4.34.