MM #16

Max Melton

Cornerback · Rutgers

A ball-hawking Rutgers product who became the Scarlet Knights' highest draft pick since 2010 and is still chasing his first NFL interception.

Max Melton followed his brother Bo into the NFL after a standout four-year career at Rutgers defined by takeaways and versatility. He has settled into a regular role in Arizona's secondary, though the interceptions that defined his college career have yet to translate to the pro game.

★ Second-round pick, 2024 NFL Draft (No. 43 overall)

★ Highest Rutgers draft selection since 2010

★ 8 career interceptions at Rutgers

Path to the league

Melton started 40 of the 43 games he played across four seasons at Rutgers, finishing with 114 tackles, eight interceptions, 22 pass breakups, four blocked punts and four fumble recoveries. The Arizona Cardinals selected him in the second round (No. 43 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, the highest a Rutgers player had been drafted since Devin McCourty went 27th overall in 2010.

Career highlights

Melton's blend of size, speed and positional flexibility, capable of playing outside or in the slot, made him a coveted Day 2 prospect. He followed his brother Bo Melton, a Green Bay Packers wide receiver, into the league and moved quickly into Arizona's cornerback rotation as a rookie.

2025 season recap

Melton played extensively in 2025 but was still searching for his first NFL interception, finishing the season with zero picks, two pass breakups, 21 solo tackles and five total pass deflections after picking off eight passes across his four years at Rutgers.