For the Packers, it seems that perhaps one roster issue could be solved by another. Whether it is quite enough to completely fix the problems, though, is a fairly open question.
On one side, the Packers–though lacking a true No. 1 threat–have an excess of depth at wide receiver. Even with Christian Watson out with an injury, young pass-catchers Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Romeo Doubs and first-round pick Matthew Golden figure to take the bulk of the snaps, with the likes of Malik Heath and Mecole Hardman as depth options.
For former practice-squadder Bo Melton, who has performed well when given a chance (18 of his 24 career catches resulted in first downs), but has not had much of a chance at a consistent role, 2025 was looking like another brick-wall season.
Except that the Packers are desperately lacking in depth at cornerback, having jettisoned star Jaire Alexander this offseason, and only adding ex-Raider Nate Hobbs as a replacement. With Melton having an intimate understanding of the mind of a receiver, the Packers have been toying with the notion of moving Melton to the defense.
Packers’ Bo Melton ‘All For’ New Position
Now, though, we’re beyond toying: Melton will be a defensive back in 2025, according to general manager Brian Gutekunst. Addressing the media on Wednesday, Gutekunst said that Melton has been willing and accepting of a position change.
“Bo is going to spend most of his time at corner,” Gutekunst said Wednesday, via Packers Wire. “I think we switched his number to 16 because that looks a little bit better than the 80 he was running out there at camp. He’ll spend most of time, especially these first three or four weeks, at corner.”
Melton has been, Gutekunst said, “all for it,” and will change his number from 80 to 16 to reflect the change. During his two years with the Packers, Melton has been an impressive special teams coverage player, and that talent sparked the interest in a position change.
“We know what he is as a receiver, what he can do for us as a receiver and on special teams,” Gutekunst said. “He’s been an 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 on defense.”
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