Max Melton NFL Draft 2024: Scouting Report for Arizona Cardinals CB

HEIGHT: 5'11"

WEIGHT: 187

HAND: 9⅛"

ARM: 32⅛"

WINGSPAN: 76⅝"

40-YARD DASH: 4.39

3-CONE: N/A

SHUTTLE: N/A

VERTICAL: 40.5"

BROAD: 11'4"

POSITIVES

— Versatile defensive back with good size and length. Has plenty of snaps aligned as a slot and outside cornerback.

— Shows good awareness in zone coverage with proper spacing. Displays great anticipation of routes and quickly reacts to threats. Does a great job of playing the ball when he is able to see it thrown.

— Aggressive and physical defender in the run game. Takes on blocks with his hands and looks to quickly discard. Very good in close quarters and performs best when close to the line of scrimmage. Triggers and fills gaps in the backfield.

NEGATIVES

— Lacks recovery speed when out of position, which leads to him struggling to close separation out of breaks. Plays with high pad level, which causes him to round his breaks at times.

— Can get caught staring at the quarterback too much. Doesn't trust his instincts to break and drive, which causes him to be late out of breaks.

2023 STATISTICS

— 12 G, 32 TOT, 4 TFL, 1 SK, 3 INT, 6 PD, 1 FR, 1 FF

NOTES

— Born April 15, 2002

— 40 career starts

— 3-star recruit in the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— Both parents played sports at Rutgers. His father, Gary, played wide receiver and running back from 1987-91, while his mother was a part of the women's basketball from 1989-1993

— His brother, Bo Melton, was a seventh-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2022 NFL draft and currently plays receiver for the Green Bay Packers

— 2023 fourth-team All-Big Ten (Phil Steele)

— 2023 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (Coaches & Media)

— 2022 fourth-team All-Big Ten (Phil Steele)

— 2022 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (Coaches & Media)

— 2021 fourth-team All-Big Ten (Phil Steele)

OVERALL

Max Melton is a versatile defensive back with a good blend of length and athleticism. He has shown the scheme flexibility to play both man and zone coverages.

Melton's versatility presents itself within the pass game. Although he looks to be more of an outside cornerback in the NFL, he has the ability to align and cover from the slot.

As an outside cornerback, he often plays from press coverage, where he does a very good job of moving his feet and showing off his lateral movement skills. He has smooth enough hips to flip and run with receivers, although there are times where his high pad level can cause him to be slower to transition and allow separation out of breaks.

Melton looks to be at his best when he's in off coverage and zone, where he is able to see the routes develop in front of him and can see the ball thrown. When he can see the flight of the ball, he does a very good job of attacking it either through the catch point or capitalizing on the turnover. As he works down the field, he tends to be too handsy and face-guard the receiver too much, causing him to lose track of the ball.

As a run defender, Melton isn't afraid to get into the mix. He triggers downhill quickly and uses his agility to beat blocks and make plays in the backfield. Although he does a good job of using his hands to take on blocks, there are times in which bigger blockers can cause him trouble at times.

Melton is physical when tackling and cuts ball-carriers down at the legs. Not always a secure wrap tackler, he does a very good job of running through receivers and delivering good blows when in tight spaces.

Melton has the right pedigree and temperament to play cornerback in the NFL. He has the potential to carve out a significant role for a team a few years into his career.

GRADE: 7.2 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 62

POSITION RANK: CB9

PRO COMPARISON: Troy Pride Jr.

Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

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