Bo Melton faces a difficult challenge in training camp this season. The former wide receiver will attempt to make the transition to cornerback to earn a spot on the Green Bay Packers roster in 2025. But one week into camp, Melton played well enough to catch the eyes of the coaching staff. So far, Bo Melton is exceeding expectations at cornerback as he continues to fight for a roster spot.
Bo Melton Is Exceeding Expectations at Cornerback in Packers Camp: The Change
The Packers signed Melton off the Seahawks practice squad late in the 2022 season. He didn’t appear in a game that year but made the Packers practice squad in 2023 and was activated to the 53-man roster when injuries struck at the position.
Over the last two seasons, Melton has been fifth or sixth on the Packers receiving depth chart. He has also contributed on special teams.
This offseason, the Packers selected wide receivers in the first and third rounds of the draft in Matthew Golden and Savion Williams. GM Brian Gutekunst also added veteran Mecole Hardman in free agency. That left the team with a surplus of wide receivers who are competing for six spots on the roster. That does not include Christian Watson who will start the season on the PUP list.
As a result, the coaching staff and the front office spoke to Melton about moving from wide receiver to cornerback, which they believed would give him a better chance to make the team.
The Early Returns
Thus far, Melton has been a pleasant surprise in training camp at cornerback. He has done well in coverage overall. While he still has a lot to learn, he does not look out of place and has made some good plays.
Head coach Matt LaFleur indicated how pleased he was with Melton’s progress during his pre-practice press conference on Tuesday. “I just think that it speaks to the level of competitor that he is,” LaFleur said. “He’s not a guy that’s going to shy away from tough challenges, so that’s why we decided to do what we did.”
LaFleur also indicated Melton still could see some action at receiver if he makes the Packers roster to start the regular season. “Certainly, it doesn’t eliminate him from the offensive side of the ball,” LaFleur continued. “We just thought the best way to give him a real chance is immerse him in the defensive stuff and then let’s just see how he handles it and how he’s done. He’s done a great job, so we’ll have some interesting conversations moving forward.”
Melton remains determined to find a way onto the roster. “If the team and the culture sees value in you, I just want to go with it,” he explained. “Some people might’ve been like, ‘No, no.’ But I feel like they see value in there, I’m going to attack it. They know the person I am, they know I know them very well, I just want to go out there and attack anything they give me, and they know I’m going to do that. So, I just want to add value to the team, no matter where it is.”
Bo Melton Is Exceeding Expectations at Cornerback in Packers Camp: Looking Forward
For most players, it is not easy to make the transition from one position to another. When the team asks you to switch positions, it’s usually the beginning of the end of their tenure with the club. But there are reasons Melton may become an exception.
First, he is moving from one of the team’s deepest positions at wide receiver, to one of the positions with the least amount of proven depth in cornerback. The Packers already have five wide receivers who are all but guaranteed roster spots, six if you count Watson. At cornerback, the team has only three proven veterans. They also didn’t use a high draft pick at cornerback this season.
But the bigger factor will be the attitude and determination of Melton himself. He’s not afraid to work hard and try something unorthodox to try to extend his NFL career. If he does make the roster, he can contribute on offense, defense, and special teams. That will place him in select company in recent NFL history.
Melton may be a long shot to make the roster, but don’t bet against him.
