The Green Bay Packers are stirring up excitement with a bold and unexpected strategy during their 2025 mandatory minicamp. Wide receiver Bo Melton, a 26-year-old depth player known for his contributions on special teams, is being tested in a surprising new role: cornerback. This move comes on the heels of the team’s decision to release two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander, leaving their defensive backfield in need of creative solutions.
A Two-Way Experiment
The Packers are exploring the possibility of turning Melton into a two-way player, a rare feat in the modern NFL. This strategy would allow them to maximize roster flexibility, essentially getting two positions out of one player. Melton, who has played 22 games as a receiver for Green Bay, was spotted taking reps at cornerback during minicamp, sparking intrigue among fans and analysts. “It’s just something that came up,” Melton told The Athletic. “I want to give it a shot. I’m still a wide receiver, so I’m not really transitioning to no cornerback, but if it works, it works.”
Melton’s athleticism and team-first mentality make him an ideal candidate for this experiment. His brother, Max Melton, a cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals, gives him a familial connection to the position, and Bo himself briefly played cornerback early in his college career at Rutgers. While he never played defense in college, his high school experience at the position and his impressive athletic metrics—highlighted by his Relative Athletic Score (RAS)—suggest he could adapt to the role.
Why the Switch?
The Packers’ decision to test Melton at cornerback stems from a combination of roster dynamics and strategic foresight. Green Bay boasts a crowded wide receiver room, with established veterans like Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks, alongside rookies Matthew Golden and Savion Williams. This depth puts pressure on players like Melton, who had limited offensive output last season with 24 regular-season catches, to find other ways to secure a roster spot.
Conversely, the release of Jaire Alexander has left the Packers thinner at cornerback. The team sees an opportunity to leverage Melton’s versatility, particularly after his standout performance on special teams, to bolster their secondary. General Manager Brian Gutekunst praised Melton’s impact, noting that the coaching staff is eager to see what he can do on defense. “If there is somebody that can potentially do both, he would be that guy,” Gutekunst said.
A Team-First Mindset
Melton’s willingness to embrace this unconventional role highlights his team-first approach. According to Vancouver Is Awesome, the Packers believe his selflessness and work ethic could make him a standout two-way player. While comparisons to Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter are premature, Melton’s endurance and love for the game—“I like to run for days,” he said—suggest he’s ready to take on the challenge.
What’s Next?
The coming months will be critical for Melton as he works to prove himself as a viable defensive back. His fresh perspective as a former wide receiver could give him an edge in understanding offensive schemes, but adapting to the technical demands of cornerback will be no small task. If successful, Melton could become a rare two-way asset, helping the Packers navigate their roster constraints while adding depth to a depleted secondary.
The Packers’ experiment with Melton is a testament to their innovative approach to roster building. As they prepare for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on this unlikely two-way player to see if he can defy expectations and carve out a unique role in Green Bay. Stay tuned—this could be one of the most fascinating storylines of the NFL season