Jaire Alexander is no longer a Green Bay Packer.
This isn’t surprising, as all signs pointed to his release as the eventual outcome despite some hope that both sides would find a solution.
The Packers have been ready for life without Alexander, signing Nate Hobbs to a big contract in free agency. And now, just a day after Alexander’s release, the Packers have a new cornerback.
Sort of.
On the first day of mandatory minicamp, wide receiver Bo Melton took snaps at cornerback in a surprise move. What prompted the receiver’s potential positional change, and how does he fit into his old and new positional groups?
Bo Melton working at cornerback pic.twitter.com/iRYAAgiCu9
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) June 10, 2025
The former seventh-round pick has played in 22 regular-season games for the Packers, totalling 24 receptions for 309 yards and a TD. In the 2023 playoffs, he added 26 yards and a TD on two receptions. Melton has been a nice find and is well-regarded by the coaching staff thanks to his work ethic and willingness to do the dirty work as a blocker.
However, with the recent additions of Matthew Golden and Savion Williams, the wide receiving room is getting crowded, and Melton is potentially on the outside looking in. Even with Christian Watson likely starting the season on the PUP list, with Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks already ahead of him on the depth chart, even before the addition of the two rookies, it’s a crowded group.
While Melton could make the initial roster as WR6, it’s not a sure thing. Thankfully, Melton plays a role on special teams (142 snaps in 2024), which is a good reason to stay. That special teams role has recently garnered Melton some attention, but not in the way we expected.
On the first day of minicamp, Melton worked out at cornerback in addition to his usual role at wide receiver, even getting a “tackle” on Tucker Kraft.
Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur both addressed the potential change.
Gutekunst said seeing Melton’s versatility on special teams sparked the idea of playing him at cornerback. “I think it’s just something we’re going to look at and see if that’s a possibility,” he said.
In regards to Bo Melton going through CB drills, Brian Gutekunst noted his skill set and how versatile he is, and Melton showing those abilities during the last few years.
“I think it’s just something we’re going to look at and see if that’s a possibility.”
— Paul Bretl (@Paul_Bretl) June 10, 2025
LaFleur reiterated the idea. “Real talented player,” he said. “I just love everything about the guy. Just thought that if there’s somebody that could do both, he could be that guy.”
Melton is a player the staff really likes, so it’s worth finding new ways to use his skills. WR/CB Travis Hunter became one of the most fascinating college players and draft picks of the past few years, so playing guys on both sides of the ball is a concept many teams might explore in the future.
For reference, Melton’s brother Max plays cornerback, and the Arizona Cardinals selected him in the second round of the 2024 draft. There’s a family history supporting the idea, so it’s not a totally outside-the-box concept.
LaFleur even joked that Bo wanted to show he’s as good as his brother at cornerback.
While the Packers are blessed with options at wide receiver, cornerback depth is another story.
The top group of Hobbs, Keisean Nixon, and Carrington Valentine can be solid. The Packers already spent most of last season without Alexander and did just fine. Hobbs is an upgrade over Eric Stokes, who left in free agency.
However, Green Bay’s depth is shaky, especially after seeing 2024 seventh-round pick Kalen King in a cast. While the team expects him back in action for training camp, it’s not an ideal spot for a player whom the Packers may be relying on.
If Melton successfully transitions to CB, it gives Green Bay another option if injuries pile up. If Melton is an option at WR, CB, and special teams, he’s got a good shot to make the roster as a do-it-all player.
Of course, it’s been one practice thus far. There’s a long history of players trying to transition positions, and it’s not working out. It’ll be a while before we can call Melton a cornerback, assuming the team sticks with that plan.
For now, it’s an intriguing option and a creative way to find a new role for a player the team is high on. Melton had a pretty even split at minicamp. We’ll see how much more corner he plays in the coming weeks.