Elite trait and right mentality allow Bo Melton to be a difference-maker for the Packers
The Green Bay Packers have so many good and young wide receivers that sometimes a guy or two might go under the radar. But Bo Melton wants you to know that he is still an important part of the room. On Tuesday's OTA practice, he received a big 75-yarder from quarterback Jordan Love during 7-on-7s. […]
The Green Bay Packers have so many good and young wide receivers that sometimes a guy or two might go under the radar. But Bo Melton wants you to know that he is still an important part of the room.
On Tuesday's OTA practice, he received a big 75-yarder from quarterback Jordan Love during 7-on-7s. Unfortunately, the Packers don't allow reporters to share the video of the play.
For head coach Matt LaFleur, Melton's level of play and attitude are exactly what he looks for, and that's why the 25-year-old receiver is so important for the roster.
"He's only going into year 3. I think it's a great story, just being persistent and to continue to push forward. Maybe even when the stacks are kind of put up against you," LaFleur said. "He's done an outstanding job, he's so disciplined in his approach and how he is. So consistent on a daily basis. He brings so much value, he brings a lot of energy to our team."
Bo Melton had to overcome a difficult start to his NFL career, and something natural for bottom-of-the-roster players. Initially drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round in 2022, Melton didn't make the 53-man roster and was signed to the Seahawks' practice squad. In December, the Packers signed him from Seattle's PS.
Last season, Melton didn't make the Packers own 53-man roster. He was promoted on November 22, but released five days later. Every NFL team had the opportunity to claim him off waivers, but nobody did.
The Packers put him on the practice squad again, and he was elevated for two games, in weeks 16 and 17. That game in week 17 was his breakout opportunity: Six receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings. A day later, he signed with the active roster through 2024.
"It's cool to see a guy that got here two seasons ago now from Seattle. He was on the practice squad the majority of last season, and then getting an opportunity to go out there and play. And when he does it, he was our first receiver to get 100 yards in a game," LaFleur recalled. "But that's what this league is all about. Some guys come in and make an immediate impact. Other guys just got to continue to battle."
The Packers have Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks. In practicality, Bo Melton is the fifth wide receiver on the depth chart. That means he has to find other ways to be impactful, and LaFleur sees that.
"You always try to find what the guys can do, what they do really well. Bo has got an elite trait, he can run. Certainly, any time you can add value in other areas, whether it's on we-fense (special teams), or for Bo, Bo's one of our better run-blockers as well. He's not the biggest guy, but it's the mentality that he has. He's got that dog mentality, whether it's the run game, pass game, whatever it may be, he's willing to do whatever it takes to get out there on the field. He's embraced that, embraced his role, and he's excelled in it."
It's still a long journey ahead for Bo Melton, but it seems like Green Bay will be the place where this journey will be for some time.
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