49ers sure seem to like this Rutgers cornerback (we do, too)

The 49ers have reportedly met with Rutgers cornerback Max Melton multiple times leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. That's a good thing, right?

One could argue the San Francisco 49ers have only three top-pressing needs this offseason: offensive line, defensive line and cornerback.

Given the depth and talent of this year's NFL Draft class along the O-line, it makes sense that general manager John Lynch might target other areas of need, or grab the best player available, when the Niners' number is called early.

That'd afford San Francisco an opportunity to grab Rutgers cornerback Max Melton.

Max Melton has met with 49ers 'about 5 or 6 times' ahead of NFL Draft

Speaking from the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, Melton didn't just confirm that he met with the 49ers, but he also said there've been multiple meetings since the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama earlier this month.

From NFL Media's Eric Edholm:

Additionally, as Melton admitted, he's been a massive Niners fan for almost his entire life.

Check out the 5-foot-11, 193-pound defensive back's draft profile on Bleacher Report:

"Melton's versatility presents itself within the pass game. Although he looks to be more of an outside cornerback in the NFL, he has the ability to align and cover from the slot.

As an outside cornerback, he often plays from press coverage, where he does a very good job of moving his feet and showing off his lateral movement skills. He has smooth enough hips to flip and run with receivers, although there are times where his high pad level can cause him to be slower to transition and allow separation out of breaks.

Melton looks to be at his best when he's in off coverage and zone, where he is able to see the routes develop in front of him and can see the ball thrown."

San Francisco could use some help on the boundary, yes. But it also could stand for some reinforcement at nickel, too, which could make someone like Melton an attractive target.

Niner Noise has a draft crush on Max Melton

If you're a regular to the site, you'll know that Niner Noise's resident draft expert, Jeremy Wohlfart, already highlighted Melton as a good 49ers fit.

His words:

"Melton had three interceptions and six passes defended for Rutgers in 2023, following up a breakout 2022 season where he had two interceptions and nine passes defended. Because Rutgers has not had a good program, he's gotten lost in the shuffle somewhat.

So what does he bring that the 49ers would want on their team?

What Melton has is a relentless motor. He gives maximum effort with every play and is an aggressive and relentless defender. San Francisco's defense had some admitted problems with effort, and Melton provides the spark that the team might need to go one better next season.

Part of the spark is his willingness and skill in run support. Run defense was a weakness for the 49ers this season, so anything that helps is welcomed. What's also welcomed is his versatility where he can fit in either a man- or a zone-based scheme, so the Niners won't need to worry about fit."

Melton is on the fringes between Rounds 3 and 4, at least based on many a draft projection, but a strong NFL Combine outing could squarely land him on day two.

The 49ers certainly have him on their radar, and it wouldn't be a shock if they used one of their day-two picks to ensure Melton lands on their team this spring.

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