Max Melton is the lone representative for Rutgers football at the NFL Combine, but there were no shortage of questions about the role the Big Ten program played in his development.
A likely Day 2 pick in April’s NFL draft, Melton opted not to return for his final season of college football. He is coming off a strong final season at Rutgers where he flashed his ability to be a lockdown cornerback.
He finished the 2023 season with 32 total tackles, three interceptions and six passes defended. He was an All-Big Ten selection as well.
It was an impressive final year at Rutgers for Melton, who had to overcome some early-season injuries.
On Thursday, Melton met with reporters at the NFL combine where he was asked a series of questions about playing at Rutgers.
“I meet a team, they’re like ‘You’re a Rutgers guy, you know football.’ I’m like ‘Sure enough, I definitely do know football’ I feel like the physical attributes mixed with the mental preparation, mix that all together, you’re going to have a good result on game day,” Melton told reporters at the NFL combine.
Melton played four year at Rutgers, the last three as a starter. He was the first player to commit to Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano as part of the 2020 recruiting class.
“You’re a #Rutgers guy, oh you know football.” Max Melton on why RU players stick out 💪 #CHOP pic.twitter.com/dZPu3TcvsL
— Ric Serritella (@RicSerritella) February 29, 2024
A three-star defensive back, he had originally been committed to Purdue.
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He said that his four seasons at Rutgers has helped instill a certain mentality to his game that can and will help him at the next level. In answering a question about his work ethic, Melton told reporters at the combine that the Rutgers mantra of ‘CHOP’ is a key component to his mindset.
“CHOP. Mental, and physical toughness. Preparation. Yea, that’s CHOP for sure. We CHOP every play. Goes good, goes bad, you got to CHOP,” Melton said.
“Keep chopping, you’re going to get the result.”
A big benefit for the NFL draft hopeful is that his older brother has spent the past two years in the league. Bo Melton had a breakout final month of the 2023 season for the Green Bay Packers, including scoring a touchdown in the NFL playoffs.
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The touchdown came in the NFC Divisional round at the San Francisco 49ers.
Little brother saw the play happen and couldn’t control himself.
“I was at home. I threw the phone across the room, I ran across the room,” Melton said.
“I promise. I was delighted. That’s my brother.
“It was actually against my team, the 49ers are my team. It was a win-win for me. I love my brother for sure.”
In his final seven games of the season, including the playoffs, Bo Melton finished with 18 catches for 244 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
He was a seventh-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2022 NFL draft. Bo Melton also played his college football in the Big Ten at Rutgers.
(h/t to Ric Serritella of All Access Football for the video)