Browns NFL Draft INSIGHT: CB Max Melton could fill in at slot corner

Round 3: Cornerback group is the strength of the defense

The cornerback group last season was a position of strength for Cleveland Browns DC Jim Schwartz’s defense.

So, why would this room need another player? Well, an exceptional cornerback is always welcome on every NFL club’s roster.

This group’s resident Pro Bowler is Denzel Ward. On the other side is M.J. Emerson who grabbed the starting outside corner gig in his rookie season and has Pro Bowl aspirations on his own. Also in the Browns defensive backfield is Greg Newsome, a former first-round draft pick. Last year, he either had a great year or a sub-par season depending on who you talk to.

Also on the roster is Cam Mitchell, a player that the coaching staff is very high on. Kahlef Hailassie was brought into the fold after the Kansas City Chiefs tried to slide him through waivers to which the Browns claimed him instead.

This off-season, there have been ripples that Cleveland would move Newsome who has been regulated to playing in the slot. If GM Andrew Berry did indeed trade Newsome, this group would need another player to fill his space. It appears the Browns will retain Newsome, but crazy things do happen on draft day.

Let’s take a good hard look at one prospect.

Max Melton is an intriguing cornerback prospect because the slot might be his best role and could take Newsome’s place. He does bring a lot of experience on the outside, though. Melton projects as a priority Day 3 pick with inside-outside versatility.

CB Max Melton

Draft projection: 3

Browns pick: #85

Specifics:

College: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Height: 6’-0”

Weight: 190 pounds

40-time: 4.39

Career Tackles: 111

Career Forced Fumbles: 1

Career Sacks: 1

Career Tackles for Loss: 8.5

Career Pass Defenses: 22

Career Interceptions: 8

Career starts: 41

Positives:

• Excellent quick twitch athlete
• Good awareness in zone coverage
• Strong ball skills
• Ability to contest catches
• Outstanding in run support
• Strong work ethic
• Instinctive with high-motor
• Senior Bowl invitee

Negatives:

• Needs to play more with length
• Can play too aggressively at times
• Need more tackling consistency
• Not the most agile athlete
• Footwork is sometimes inefficient
• Needs improvement in press coverage

Expert Draft Site Analysis

DraftDive.com

Max Melton is a promising cornerback prospect with a versatile skill set that includes excellent coverage abilities, ball skills, and football intelligence. While he has areas to work on, such as press coverage, tackling technique, and penalty avoidance, his potential and athleticism make him a compelling option for teams in need of a cornerback. With proper coaching and continued development, Melton has the potential to become a successful NFL cornerback.