I'm definitely NOT a UGA homer, but I did see him as one of the top players on the board at this point.
Melton might have been a little bit of a reach and isn't even the highest ranked CB per many sources. But he hit me as the best choice for system fit and developmental attributes that I like. And I did trade down before taking him, so I got the value back even if I reached.
This was the higher rated CB that I was referring to. Rakestraw is more polished, Melton is more athletic. Hard choice.
Rakestraw did pretty good at his pro day answered some questions about athleticism. He's not an elite athlete and he lacks ideal size but he seems to have quieted most of the concerns. He was my top rated CB here as well but I am not sure I feel like there is a huge talent difference at this point. Your just looking for talent that fits scheme.
Rakestraw isn't a bad athlete at all, but Melton is eye-popping (40.5" vertical, 6.95 cone, 4.39 electronic 40 time, 4.34 hand-held).
Cardinals 1(17) Laiatu Latu, EDGE - UCLA 1(27) Brian Thomas Jr., WR - LSU 1(29) Jordan Morgan, OT - Arizona 2(11) Edgerrin Cooper, LB - Texas A&M 3(2) 3(7) 5(3) 5(27) 7(6) 7(29) 2025 1st (DEN) 2026 2nd (DEN)
Was really hoping he would slide just a little longer... I really liked the idea of him standing next to Dexter Lawrence.