Steelers Mock Draft: Going all in on offense for Justin Fields and Russell Wilson

Steelers mock draft round 3 (via PHI): Max Melton, CB, Rutgers

Max Melton has been on my radar since early in the draft season due to the Steelers need at the position as well as his fit. While a cornerback in college where he played both inside and outside, he projects as a dynamic slot cornerback at the next level. He lacks the coverage skills to thrive as a boundary cornerback and seems like a perfect fit to fill in as a slot option.

With Donte Jackson here and a few unproven names behind him, that isn’t the end of the world. This team hasn’t had a dedicated every-down slot cornerback since Mike Hilton and the defense has suffered because of it. Melton would given them a player who can play run-downs given his physicality and is fine in coverage.

Melton also tested as a great athlete, something this defense has been lacking. He can cover anyone out of the slot as well as use his speed to blitz the quarterback. His back peddle is bad (something that can be hidden in the slot) and he can take some wild angles on tackles, but overall he is a sound nickel cornerback prospect.

While he will never be an every down starter for this defense, having a quality slot cornerback allows your defense to be that much more versatile. Melton profiles as one of the best all-around inside cornerbacks this year, and I’d love to see him land with this defense and provide some stability at the position.