Bumped up to the second round, Melton was picked by the Arizona Cardinals. He’s had some rookie cornerback ups and downs that all young players at his position seem to go through. Despite these obstacles, he has demonstrated significant growth over the course of the season, particularly in his understanding of game strategies and technical skills essential for success in the league.
Still, after a challenging rookie season, Melton has adjusted his expectations for what it means to play cornerback at the highest level. His road has not been an easy one. Today, he’s extremely confident in his techniques and has a crystal clear understanding of where he fits into the team concept. The next 4–5 months will be a big test for Melton. He wants to develop more in defensive scheme recognition and learning how to better process a lot of moving parts in critical game moments.
During the course of the season, Melton made significant strides in learning the ins and outs of each week’s game plan. This growth did not go unnoticed by the Cardinals’ cornerbacks coach, Ryan Smith, who praised Melton’s development. Smith praised Melton’s diligence and on-the-ground expertise. I mean, it was really incredible.” He had high praise for Max, noting that “I think he has done a really good job to be a student of the game and work at that.”
Melton’s late-season improvement is due in large part, he says, to newfound confidence and just having a better understanding of the “why” behind defensive calls. He explained how this understanding impacts his performance:
“If you knew the why of the call, you would be outside and stay outside, knowing you got inside help. So, that’s just one example, but just knowing the why behind the calls is very important.” – Max Melton
His real-time decisions and spatial awareness have both been significantly better. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis told reporters that Melton’s improvement in press coverage during the season was most impressive. Rallis added, “That position has a lot of cachet. It’s the most stress-inducing position, right? Supposed to win all the one-on-ones. You need a ton of big picture, chess-master thinking.”
Melton was only targeted 44 times and allowed just 26 receptions while only allowing 359 yards total while defending passes for a 6.4 yds/ATD. Remarkably, he did not give up a single touchdown. His job description and job duties changed on a weekly basis which required being adaptable and a fast learner.
Melton attributes his feel for the game to a ton of film study. Using his tablet to review plays, he’s had a new kind of insight that has reaped into better execution on the field. He emphasized the importance of grasping complex concepts, stating:
“That’s everything. That’s almost as important as the initial message.” – Max Melton
As Melton prepares for another offseason, he intends to further dive into the nuances of defensive schemes. He understands that determination for ongoing mastery is essential in a role that requires both devastating physical ability and scintillating cognitive sharpness. University of Tennessee head coach Jonathan Gannon complimented Melton’s assertive attitude towards his craft. He mentioned how Melton is “taking the coaching and running with it.”
Overall, Melton is committed to developing his skills through repeated practice and film study. This dedication has been central to his breakthrough this season. His ability to adapt to various roles and responsibilities underlines his potential as a valuable asset to the Cardinals’ defense.
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