Rutgers CB Max Melton, Iowa DT Logan Lee hosted by Steelers for official pre-draft visits

Chris Adamski
Monday, April 8, 2024 11:57 a.m. | Monday, April 8, 2024 11:57 a.m.

Go Ad-Free Today!

AP

Rutgers defensive back Max Melton makes a play on a pass intended for Delaware wide receiver Brett Buckman during a 2021 game. Melton, projected as a slot/nickel in the NFL, was hosted by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday for an official predraft visit.

Rutgers cornerback Max Melton and Iowa defensive tackle Logan Lee were guests of the Pittsburgh Steelers at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex for official pre-draft visits Monday.

A four-year college starter, Melton (5-foot-11, 187 pounds) is projected as a likely slot/nickel in the NFL. A compilation of mock drafts at nflmockdraftdatabase.com lists a consensus for Melton as going in the second round.

In addition to eight interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) over the past three seasons, Melton showed an ability to blitz — a skill coveted by the Steelers for their nickel back — and proved a valuable special-teamer when he tied for the national lead with three blocked kicks in 2022.

Here’s Max Melton’s punt block and Timmy Ward’s scoop and score that tied the game at 7: pic.twitter.com/JXunwY7bVZ

— Brian Fonseca (@briannnnf) November 6, 2022

The 6-5, 281-pound Lee was a three-year starter for one of the nation’s best defenses at Iowa. He had nine sacks, 18 ½ tackles for loss and seven batted-down passes over 41 games from 2021-23. Lee is regarded as a late-round pick.

#Iowa DT Logan Lee checks so many background reasons to get excited about even before the film.

✅Two-time state wrestling champ
✅High school TE with 10 TDs as senior
✅40 straight starts at DT since 2021

Showcased his pass rush decisiveness and burst all week at @ShrineBowl. pic.twitter.com/ajYLQU13K8

— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) February 27, 2024

The Steelers are seeking to add youth to their defensive line, and the players who most often manned the nickel spot in 2023 — Chandon Sullivan, Patrick Peterson — are no longer on the roster.

Each team is allotted 30 pre-draft official visits (not including those deemed as “local” prospects) in advance of the April 25-27 draft.