Commanders Draft Rumors: Selecting Rutgers CB Max Melton?

After losing Kyle Fuller in free agency, could the Commanders replace him in the NFL Draft with Rutgers cornerback Max Melton?

The Washington Commanders and general manager Adam Peters have had a strong free agency, so what should fans expect in the NFL Draft?

One player that the Commanders could be interested in drafting is Rutgers cornerback Max Melton. 

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Washington’s biggest need is at cornerback after it lost its top corner, Kendall Fuller, in free agency. With or without Fuller, the team was bad at covering the pass.

Out of all 32 teams in the NFL, the Commanders' defense surrendered the most passing yards at 4,627.

Improving pass coverage should be one of Washington’s top priorities in the draft. Unfortunately for the Commanders' secondary, taking a cornerback in the first round seems unlikely. 

Considering the talent in this draft class at quarterback, Washington seems destined to take a player like North Carolina’s Drake Maye or LSU’s Jaylen Daniels with its No. 2 overall pick. That's why a player like Melton could become a priority selection for the Commanders later on in the NFL Draft.

“They may have to take a volume approach to the position in the later rounds, and Rutgers' Max Melton is a fine developmental prospect to consider on Day 3,” Bleacher Report writes about Washington. “He is a physical defensive back with 4.39 speed and a knack for finding the football (22 career pass breakups).”

Speed often kills in the league; just look at how Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was on pace for 2,000 receiving yards last season prior to injury. 

Having a corner with elite speed like Melton is a necessity in the modern NFL. In addition to his top-end speed, Melton’s vertical is over 40 inches high, allowing him to contest catches with receivers of any size despite being 5-11.

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He may not be able to start immediately, but not many day-one starters come on the third day of the draft anyway, and his versatility as a player who can play both against receivers in the slot and outside warrants attention.

Taking Melton, who has already displayed coverage skills, as evidenced by his 22 pass breakups, could be a great way to balance improving the team’s future both offensively and defensively with this year’s draft picks.