5 defensive prospects the Commanders should monitor at 2024 Senior Bowl
By Jonathan Eig
Commanders should monitor Max Melton
- Cornerback | Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- What to look for: Slot production
Max Melton's brother Bo is one of the plethora of developing young wide receivers with the Green Bay Packers. The incoming college prospect has all the requisite skills you want to see in an NFL cornerback.
At times, he looks like a receiver himself, tracking the ball and showing sure hands. Melton has enough size and speed to stick with wideouts all over the field and is also comfortable playing in a zone, where he has shown to be a solid tackler.
Melton bounced back from a suspension early in his Rutgers career to become a very consistent performer. In college, he looked very good playing outside. In the pros, he will have to demonstrate more versatility.
I think he can excel as a special teamer early on, but I am most eager to see if he gets any snaps playing inside against slot receivers. I think he is quick enough and tough enough to fill that role.
If he can, his value - much like last year’s second-round pick Quan Martin - will go up even higher.
The Washington Commanders need some extra help at the cornerback position despite drafting Emmaiel Forbes last year. Kendall Fuller is a free agent and might not return. Benjamin St-Juste didn't take the strides needed. This almost dictates the need for reinforcements.