The Green Bay Packers asked 26-year-old wide reciever Bo Melton to make a position change this spring, and he seems well on his way to securing a legitimate role in defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s secondary.
In the absence of Jaire Alexander, released back in June following contentious offseason contract negotiations, and with free agent arrival Nate Hobbs now sidelined with an injury, it is entirely possible that even Corey Ballentine’s return might not be enough to derail Melton’s chance of locking down a roster spot.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Praises Bo Melton Position Change
Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Coach Matt LaFleur, left, talks with General Manager Brian Gutekunst during practice on July 25, 2025, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has been impressed by what he’s seen so far.
“Again, they screamed receiver, too, but again, right when we brought him in, it was something that we discussed as a personnel group, but then again, he took off as a receiver and certainly we needed him in some of those occasions. But I think, you know, again, it’s very, very early, but after these first five, six days, I think the decision by Matt to kind of keep him at corner and let him grow there and see how that worked was wise because he’s done some really good things for us,” Gutekunst recently told reporters.
A real first test and milemarker for Melton’s play at cornerback will come in the preseason opener against the New York Jets, where head coach Aaron Glenn intends to play the starters.
Packers
Green Bay cornerbacks Gregory Junior (28) and Bo Melton (16) run through a drill during practice on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
However, during an impressive spring and training camp, Hafley is impressed by what he’s seen from Melton, so far.
“I credit Bo,” Hafley recently told reporters. “I don’t think there are many guys in this league who are just gonna be — “Hey, what do you think about doing this?” “Yeah, I’ll do it. Whatever’s best for the team.” How many guys nowadays are gonna do that? I don’t think there’s many of them. So, chances are, the guy’s gonna succeed. And I believe in him, and I’m excited about where this could go.
“But at the same time, I think everybody’s gotta kinda just — alright, let’s slow down, everything’s not gonna look perfect. But I was fired up. I love the guy. You win with guys like Bo.”
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