2022 DFF Draft Coverage: Bo Melton

Bo Melton | Rutgers 5’11” 189 lbs. | 05/18/1999 (Age 22)

Bo Melton was drafted 229th overall by the Seattle Seahawks, becoming the 26th wide receiver and 229th overall player in the 2022 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

 Year  Games Played   Receptions   Yards    Yards/Catch   TDs 
 2017 (FR)  5  4  83  20.8  0
 2018 (SO)  9  28  245  8.8  0
 2019 (JR)  12  30  427  14.2  2
 2020 (SR)    9  47  638  13.6  6
 2021 (SR)  10  55  618  11.2  3

Melton was a high school track star who opted to take his speed to the field for Rutgers University. After a couple of seasons as a reserve/occasional starter, Melton served as the team’s leading receiver in 2019, as he hauled in 30 receptions for 427 yards island two touchdowns. He then followed that impressive campaign with back-to-back 600-plus receiving yards seasons. In 19 games played during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Melton hauled in a combined 102 receptions for 1,256 yards and nine touchdowns. He also finished sixth all-time in career receptions (164) and 10th all-time in career receiving yards (2,011) for the Scarlet Knights. 

STRENGTHS

Great route-runner, who showcases elite speed off the line of scrimmage. Explosive athlete with elite leaping abilities. Hauls in a ton of tight-window throws and often is able to use boundaries to his advantage. A ton of gunner experience on special teams. 

WEAKNESSES 

Needs to do a better job at hauling in contested catches. Lacks consistency with his speed of play on the field. Speed dips on long, vertical routes. Took a slight step back from 2020 to 2021. Not a physical receiver, who tends to struggle against press coverage. 

ATHLETIC TESTING

At the NFL combine, Melton measured in at 5’11” and 189 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 26.4. At the combine, he ran a blazing 4.34 40-yard dash (98th percentile), which at his height and weight equates to a 103.6-speed score (79th percentile). Melton also recorded a 125.1 burst score (72nd percentile), a 10.91 agility score (85th percentile), a 10.20 catch radius (84th percentile), and a college dominator of 39.6 percent (80th percentile). 

Melton possesses elite speed, as his 4.34 40-yard dash landed him fifth-fastest amongst 40 receivers who participated at the combine. He has small hands (9”) and arms (31 ¼” wingspan), but he makes up for it with his speed and athleticism. He showcases elite leaping abilities for his size, as his 38” vertical was amongst the top of the leader board for receivers (tied for seventh).  

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Fair

Melton was selected with the 229th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. 

There’s a new look in Seattle without Russell Wilson, but Melton will join familiar faces in D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett in Seattle’s wide receiver room. 

FANTASY INSIGHTS

Although he fell fall down in the draft, Melton still has a chance at competing for the WR3 spot behind Metcalf and Lockett. Because of his situation, he’s a considerable candidate to get on the mid-to-late rounds in dynasty start-up leagues. If one of the two above him on the depth chart suffers a significant injury before the season starts, you may want to give Melton a look in redraft leagues as well. 

Thank you for tuning in to DFF’s 2022 NFL Draft Coverage! Stay tuned as we break down every fantasy-relevant pick during the draft. Please consider becoming our yearly DFF subscription member so we can continue to deliver top-notch analysis and fantasy breakdowns. Our yearly subscription will save you $40 and lead you to fantasy championships. You can also follow me @dirrim23 where I love talking about all things fantasy football! #DFFArmy #FantasyFootball #AlwaysBeBuilding #NFL #NFLDraft #NFLTransactions #NFLTrades #AlwaysBeScouting