Packers' experimental position change turns permanent and the results could give their 2025 roster a surprising new boost
The Green Bay Packers started training camp with some curious news. Bo Melton is now a cornerback, and he's officially listed as so on the team's depth chart. After going back and forth during the offseason program at corner and wide receiver, he's switching to number 16 and will spend the majority of camp on […]
The Green Bay Packers started training camp with some curious news. Bo Melton is now a cornerback, and he's officially listed as so on the team's depth chart. After going back and forth during the offseason program at corner and wide receiver, he's switching to number 16 and will spend the majority of camp on defense.
"You guys will see, but Bo is going to spend most of his time at corner," general manager Brian Gutekunst revealed. "I think we know what he is as a receiver and what he can do for us as a receiver on special teams. He's been obviously a very important part of our football team the last couple of years. We're excited to see what he might be able to do at corner for us on defense. I think we switched his number to 16 because that looks a little better than the 80 he was running out there in camp. But he will spend most of his time, particularly these first three or four weeks, at corner."
It's a difficult transition for a player who's been in the NFL for two years, but Gutekunst highlighted that the transition gives him a better chance of making an impact.
"He's all for it. And that's not easy. He's obviously an established player, and to do something like this is not easy. But he's been all for it," Gutekunst added. "We certainly support it. He's one of those guys that, from the time we scouted him coming out of college, we thought he had that kind of ability. When we brought him here, it was something we had in the back of our minds, that this might be something we can do with Bo. Obviously, he had some success for us as a receiver, and we needed him there early on. I'm sure there will be good days and bad days like there are at every position. But he's kind of a rare, mentally tough kid, and we're excited to see where this might take him."
Coaching staff perception
Bo Melton has been an explosive wide receiver at times, but there's much more competition on offense with the additions of Matthew Golden and Savion Williams in the draft, plus Mecole Hardman in free agency. With a need at cornerback, Melton can find more opportunities.
"We know what he is as a wide receiver, and I think it just gives him the best opportunity moving forward to really carve out a role in that field," head coach Matt LaFleur mentioned.
It doesn't mean that Bo Melton can't play on offense throughout the season. But being a three-way player gives him the best chance to make the 53-man roster—and to be an impactful player. Right now, learning the nuances of the defense is a priority, and Melton is ready to make it happen.
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