San Francisco 49ers 2024 mock draft: post NFL Combine edition

49ers pick at No. 63 overall: CB Max Melton, Rutgers

I confess that Max Melton might be my draft crush for this entire draft. I love how he plays, this page loves how he plays, and it seems the 49ers love how he plays because they've met with him on more than one occasion.

So it's fair to say, there's some mutual interest here.

In 2023, the Rutgers defensive back recorded 32 tackles, three interceptions and six passes defended for the Scarlet Knights. This followed what was a breakout in 2022 where he had 33 tackles, two interceptions and nine passes. Being on a poor Rutgers team meant he didn't get a lot of time to shine, but he rectified that at the NFL Combine.

Walterfootball.com listed Melton as one of the winners of the combine at the cornerback position, noting:

"It’s not a surprise that Mex Melton was able to show out at the combine. He posted some great measurables. Included are a 4.39 40 time, a 40.5-inch vertical and an 11-4 broad jump."

- Walterfootball.com

The 5-foot-11, 187-pound cornerback was probably on the bubble of the Day 2/Day 3 variety, but he shouldn't fall past the first 75 selections now. His strong play and his exceptional combine performance should see to that.

What the 49ers will like about Melton also is his versatility. While not the biggest cornerback, he's still at home on the boundary or can also move inside in the slot. The Niners do tend to move about their cornerbacks when injury or circumstances dictate, so this will be of interest to them.