In the latest mock draft on NFL.com, Rutgers football defensive back Max Melton is coming off the board in the first round.
Melton, a multi-year starter at Rutgers, had a solid showing at the Senior Bowl and followed that up with an impressive NFL combine. He has shot up mock draft boards in recent weeks, with Chad Reuter’s mock draft for NFL.com representing the first time he has done off the board in the first round.
According to Reuter’s mock draft, Melton is taken No. 31 overall by the San Francisco 49ers.
Melton’s progression up draft boards started earlier this month at the combine where he ran a 4.39 time in the 40.
In 2023 as a senior, Melton had 32 total tackles and three interceptions. He posted six passes defended, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
In many ways, Melton was (and is) the epitome of Rutgers as a developmental program. A three-star recruit, he flipped to Rutgers following the hire of head coach Greg Schiano. He became the first player to verbal in the class of 2020 upon the return of Schiano to Rutgers.
Ranked the No. 22 player in New Jersey in the 2020 class, Melton developed in Schiano’s system and is now a likely top 50 pick in next month’s NFL draft.
He progressed and grew into a starting role at Rutgers, becoming a three-year starter with the program and an All-Big Ten selection. He played his senior season with a broken hand, underscoring his commitment to the program.
He is the younger brother of former Rutgers wide receiver Bo Melton, who is coming off a solid second season in the NFL. A draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks, he is now with the Green Bay Packers.
For Rutgers news and information, follow Kristian Dyer on X @KristianRDyer
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NCAA Football: Pinstripe Bowl-Rutgers at Miami
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Story originally appeared on Rutgers Wire
