Notre Dame defensive tackle Howard Cross III is among the most experienced defenders in the 2025 NFL Draft. Cross III was a multi-year contributor and leader for a Fighting Irish defense that helped the program advance to the National Championship in 2024. He’s an advanced run stopper who coach Marcus Freeman trusted to make plays in the backfield.
Cross III recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Cross III discussed his illustrious career at Notre Dame, helping build the winning culture that’s now in place, rushing the passer and stopping the run, and more.
JM: You put together six incredible seasons at Notre Dame. You were a team leader and culture builder. What will you best remember about your time with the Fighting Irish?
Howard Cross III: I’ll always cherish the relationships with my teammates. I was told Notre Dame was different. I found that to be true. The culture is different. It’s a “we” instead of “me” mentality.
We’re a team-first program. We always put Notre Dame first, no matter what. That’s the entire reason we made the National Championship Game this year. We were a selfless team. I’m extremely thankful and proud of our team for what we did this past season, and in past years as well.
I appreciated my teammates. I’m excited about where the program is headed as well. I’m not worried at all. The program is in great hands.
JM: You’ll continue following them no matter what. Being a multi-year leader and contributor, how did you see the culture evolve under Marcus Freeman?
Howard Cross III: It became more team-oriented under coach Freeman. I know there’s a lot going on with NIL. Some schools are struggling with how to navigate it. Notre Dame did not struggle.
We’ve always been a team-first program. If you’re going to Notre Dame, you’re going for an education. You’re going to Notre Dame because you want to win a National Championship. It’s possible to get both at Notre Dame.
People who choose Notre Dame have that mentality going into it. That’s why NIL hasn’t had a negative impact on us.
JM: That’s a great point. I thought you showed an improved ability to make plays in the backfield this past season. You had a career-high four sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. What changed for you in 2024?
Howard Cross III: I realized that I wanted to build on the previous season. I was first or second in the nation in pressures, but I only had two sacks. I wanted to do a better job finishing in the backfield. I wanted to see progress. When our 2024 season started, I immediately started meeting that goal. Unfortunately, I got banged up a little bit during the season. I was proud of myself at the end of it all.
I did a better job playing under control. I didn’t panic in the backfield anymore. I didn’t have any unnecessary movements. I played with balance. I relaxed and created a path for myself to the quarterback. I did a much better job of that in 2024. There’s always room to still improve of course.
JM: Your father played 13 years with the New York Giants and won a Super Bowl. What's the best piece of advice he's given you throughout this process? The pre-draft process has changed a lot since he went through it.
Howard Cross III: Film speaks more than the drills do. Teams are just making sure they have the correct information. He’s helped me remember that. Teams just want to make sure they have enough information. I was at Notre Dame for many years. Teams know what they’re getting in me.
They know me as a player and person. My father told me to be smart. Do what I’ve been taught, what I’ve been raised to do. I went to Notre Dame. I have great parents. I know how to conduct myself in interviews.
JM: Do you feel like you're a three-down linemen at the next level? Stop the run and rush the passer?
Howard Cross III: I know there are some people who don’t think I can stop the run at a high level. I believe I can absolutely stop the run. I’m not going to lie to you. I don’t want to be that guy, but I know I can stop the run.
When I was healthy, I was stopping double teams on tape. I was playing nose guard at 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds all season long. I was holding up against the run. The year before, I finished No. 3 in the nation in run stops at 6-1, 280.
I know I can stop the run, especially double teams. My favorite drill in practice is stopping inside runs. That was my personal favorite. I think that says a lot.
JM: I didn’t even know that narrative was out there. Marcus Freeman wouldn’t have played you at nose guard if he didn’t think you could stop the run. Did you meet with any teams at the NFL Combine, and do you have any visits or workouts on the calendar?
Howard Cross III: I’ve met with almost all 32 teams. It’s gone well. I feel like I’ve crushed the interviews. Everything is going well. I’ve been going through the process. I have more team meetings on the calendar. We’ll be meeting with teams over these next few weeks.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Howard Cross III going to make at the next level?
Howard Cross III: I’m going to be a dog in the league. I know that. Whatever team chooses me, I’m going to be the best at whatever they need me to do. I would love to be a defensive tackle.
I’m planning on being one of the best defensive tackles in the league. I’m going to be the best one. If a team wants me to play fullback for some reason, I’m going to be the best fullback in the NFL.
If you want me to block punts, I’ll be the best in the league. I’ll be an All-Pro punt blocker. That’s the mentality I’m going in with. I will be the best at whatever they need me to be.
