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Max Melton

Max Melton Player Profile

Summary

  • Drafted: Round 2, 43rd overall (2024) by the Arizona Cardinals. Rutgers University Athletics

  • College: Rutgers University. Rutgers University Athletics

  • Key College Stats & Accolades: At Rutgers, Melton played in 43 games (40 starts), recording 114 tackles (with 9 for loss), 8 interceptions, and 22 pass breakups. PFSN He also blocked four punts. Rutgers University Athletics He earned honors such as Fourth Team All‑Big Ten and honorable mention All‑Big Ten. Rutgers University Athletics

  • Athletic Profile: At the NFL Combine, Melton posted a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, 40.5″ vertical jump, and an 11′4″ broad jump, showing elite explosiveness. Rutgers Wire

  • Character / Profile: Melton comes from a strong Rutgers football lineage. He’s praised for his high motor, competitive drive, and mental preparation. PFSN Despite a past incident (suspension for a paintball incident), he has spoken about it as a learning experience and emphasizes discipline and maturity. New York Post

Strengths

  • Elite athletic explosiveness — His combine numbers (4.39 40, 40.5″ vertical, 11′4″ broad) underscore his burst and recovery speed. PFSN

  • Excellent change-of-direction & hip fluidity — Pro Football Network notes his ability to flip his hips sharply and trail routes tightly. PFSN

  • Strong in press-man coverage — Physical at the line, uses two‑hand jams, and can disrupt release off the snap. PFSN

  • High football IQ / instinctive play — Reads the quarterback’s eyes well, diagnoses routes, and plays with vision in zone coverage. PFSN

  • Ball skills / playmaker mentality — Has shown the ability to make dynamic plays in coverage, including interceptions. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Versatility — Can play both on the boundary and in the slot; also shows potential as a blitzer. PFSN

  • Competitive and physical — Not afraid to take on blocks, fight through contact, and finish in run support or blitz situations. PFSN

  • Proven production & experience — Four-year starter at Rutgers with good volume in pass defenses, tackles, and takeaways. Rutgers University Athletics

Weaknesses

  • Tackling consistency — Needs improvement on tackling angles and wrap-up in the run game; can miss or take poor pursuit lanes. PFSN

  • Overaggressiveness / technique variance — Sometimes shows sloppy technique, especially in press; risks false steps or taking bad angles. Sportskeeda

  • Double-move vulnerability — Aggressive style can sometimes cause him to bite too early, making him susceptible to double moves. PFSN

  • Discipline in leverage & stems — Struggles occasionally with crossing routes and maintaining leverage; might get turned by savvy route runners. Sportskeeda

  • Frame / play strength — While explosive, his physical strength is not elite and can be challenged when WRs try to gain inside leverage. PFSN

  • Penalty risk — His aggressive, physical style can lead to fouls, especially when over‑playing or using hands too aggressively. Sportskeeda

Fit & Outlook

Max Melton projects as a long-term starting cornerback in the NFL who can contribute in multiple coverages and roles. His elite athletic traits and press-man ability make him a great fit for teams that value physicality and man-coverage downfield, but he’s also effective in zone given his coverage IQ and instincts. In the Arizona Cardinals defense, he has high upside to start on the boundary or potentially rotate inside, depending on scheme. While his tackling and technique need refinement, his upside as a playmaker and his growth trajectory (from raw talent to polished asset) give him a promising outlook. With continued coaching, he could grow into a high-variance, high-impact CB capable of generating turnovers while holding his own in coverage.