PISCATAWAY, N.J. (April 26, 2024) – Rutgers football DB Max Melton was selected in the second round, pick No. 43, of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals on Friday. Melton becomes the 98th Scarlet Knight to join the NFL after playing for head coach Greg Schiano. He is also the first RU player to be taken in the second round since Kemoko Turay (Indianapolis Colts, pick 52) in 2018 and highest pick from Rutgers since Anthony Davis (San Francisco 49ers, pick 11) and Devin McCourty (New England Patriots, pick 27) both went in the first round in 2010.
An honorable mention All-Big Ten pick each of the last two seasons, Melton played in 43 games with 40 starts at cornerback for Rutgers. The Mays Landing, New Jersey, native collected eight interceptions with 22 pass breakups, contributing 114 tackles with nine for loss, four fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. He blocked four punts on special teams.
Melton brought in two takeaways in the red zone this past season, forcing and recovering a fumble at Wisconsin and hauling in a pick at Iowa. He also recorded interceptions versus Northwestern and Maryland, adding six pass breakups.
In 2022, Melton led the nation with three blocked kicks, including one returned for a touchdown versus Michigan. He tied for seventh in the Big Ten in passes defended per game (1.0).
Melton earned bids to both the Reese’s Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine leading up to the NFL Draft.