Howard Cross III, son of former New York Giants tight end Howard Cross, has officially begun his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals following the 2025 NFL Draft. The defensive tackle from Notre Dame made a significant impact during his college tenure, starting 34 games and ending fourth in tackles in the FBS during the 2023 season, earning him second-team All-America honors.

Despite being slightly undersized at 6-foot-1 and 283 pounds, Cross's agility and quickness have made him a valuable asset. Known as 'Fast Hands Howard,' he recorded four sacks in his final season but faced challenges with double teams that limited his overall tackle numbers. His performance showcases both potential and areas for growth, making him an intriguing addition for the Bengals as they aim to bolster their defensive line.