After trading down from the No. 35 pick, the Arizona Cardinals identified a crucial need in its roster by using the 43rd to select Rutgers cornerback Max Melton.
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With the 43rd pick in the #NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals identified a huge need in the cornerback room by selecting @melton_max out of Rutgers. #BirdGang #NFLDraft #CHOP pic.twitter.com/t3nX3BDoOL
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) April 27, 2024
The New Jersey native played 41 games through four seasons (2020-23) at his hometown university. During his time as a Scarlet Knight, Melton amassed 111 tackles, eight interceptions, one sack and defended 22 passes.
In the final year of his college career, he competed in 12 games, grabbing 32 tackles, three interceptions and blocking six passes. The 22-year-old helped Rutgers win the 2023 Pinstripe Bowl 31-24 over the University of Miami (Florida).
Per NFL draft analyst Steve Muench, Melton could slot as an NFL starter right now.
“Corner was one of Arizona’s most pressing needs, even after signing Sean Murphy-Bunting,” Muench said. “The Cardinals cut Marco Wilson in December, and no corner had more than one interception last season. Melton is a playmaker who grades as a Day 1 starter and steps in opposite Murphy-Bunting.”
As mentioned by Muench, Melton will join the highly-regarded free agent signing in Murphy-Bunting at defensive back. Also on the Cardinals, Garrett Williams, Andre Chachere, Michael Ojemudia, Darren Hall, Kei’Trel Moore, Qwauntrezz Knight, Starling Thomas V, Divaad Wilson and Quavian White are all signed for 2024.
Former Cards CB Antonio Hamilton ended up signing with the Falcons during the offseason, leaving Arizona with a major vacancy in its roster prior to this pick. The 31-year-old played 41 games (16 starts) with 122 tackles, 20 passes defended and two interceptions in three seasons (2021-2023)
Arizona traded the 43rd and 79th picks to Atlanta in exchange for the 35th (Clemson DT Ruke Orhorhoro) and 186th selections in this year’s draft. The Cardinals now have four third-round picks tonight with No. 66, 71, 79 and 90.
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Alec Cipollini covers Phoenix Sports News for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
