Rece Davis revealed Nick Saban was ecstatic when Rutgers cornerback Max Melton was drafted in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals.
Melton was one of the higher rated corners in the draft after a stellar college career. But perhaps he was a little under the radar as well.
Either way, Saban loved him as a player and Davis described the former Alabama coach’s reaction on the Pat McAfee Show.
“He came out of his chair when Max Melton from Rutgers got drafted,” Davis said. “He said this is my sleeper cornerback, he goes I love this guy, watching him on tape. He is going to be an outstanding pro … But he came up immediately when he said that.”
Melton was the No. 43 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
A four-year starter at Rutgers, Melton finished with 111 total tackles, 81 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, one sack, eight interceptions, 22 pass deflections, four fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one defensive touchdown.
“This is like my sleeper corner in the whole draft,” Saban said on the ABC broadcast. “He’s made a lot of picks, can play the ball in the air. He’s a fast reactor. He’s physical, he’s tough. I think this guy’s going to be a really good player.”
As a member of the Class of 2020, Melton was a three-star recruit out of Egg Harbor City (N.J.) Cedar Creek, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 22 overall prospect in the state, the No. 147 wide receiver in the class (before switching to CB) and the No. 879 overall prospect in the class.
Melton was the second pick of the Cardinals’ draft, who selected Marvin Harrison Jr. in the first round. Melton matchup against Harrison Jr. when Rutgers took on Ohio State.
“I remember my mindset,” Melton said of playing against his new teammate. “It’s gonna be iron sharpens iron. I don’t know if he remembers me. I hope he does … I can’t wait to meet bro – off the field.”
Whether he starts as a rookie or he plays special teams, Melton is ready to contribute immediately.
“I just wanted to prove I could be ‘him,'” Melton said about his pre-draft work. “I just want to help my team in whatever form or fashion I can.”
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