Packers CB Bo Melton’s position change is paying off with coaches

Can Bo Melton Make the Switch? Green Bay Packs Player Tries Cornerback

Packers Coach Sees Potential in Former Wide Receiver

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton has taken an unconventional path in his NFL career. Entering his fourth season, he’s made a bold switch from wide receiver to cornerback. While a position change this late in a career isn't ideal, coaches see potential in Melton's athleticism and willingness to learn.

“He's done a nice job,” said Head Coach Matt LaFleur. “When you watch him through the course of drills, the skill set is there—it's just getting an adequate number of reps to go and get comfortable out there at a very difficult position to play. I'm really pleased with not only how he's approached it, but how he's gone out there and executed."

Melton has impressed coaches with his natural instincts and quick feet during practice sessions with the second-team defense. He credits his brother, who plays cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals, as a source of inspiration.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley noticed Melton’s transition immediately during offseason drills. "He's super athletic, and then you saw him do some (defensive back) drills, and as he backpedaled, you saw how quick his feet were and how he could transition," Hafley said Wednesday.

Learning Curve Ahead for Melton

While enthusiastic about Melton’s potential at cornerback, Hafley acknowledges the steep learning curve ahead. “This isn't going to be like we put him in and it's, 'Oh, he's got it.' No, it's a hard position to play,” said Hafley. "People might think you're just out there—go cover a guy—but it's one of the hardest positions physically to play, and there's thinking to it, too. It's not as easy as some people think."

Melton remains focused on absorbing everything coaches teach him. “I'm blessed to be here, blessed to be in this position, so I'm just going to attack everything," he said.

Special Teams Role Remains an Option

The Packers are optimistic about Melton’s future, regardless of his ultimate position. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia values Melton's contributions on special teams, where he played a significant role last season.

"No matter what you ask him to do, we think he's going to become an elite special teams player," Bisaccia said. "He was big for us a year ago. He's really just the ultimate team player right now, doing anything he's asked to do."

Bisaccia points out that Melton’s experience on kick and punt coverage has already provided him with valuable tackling skills.

Preseason Pressure Mounts

Melton faces an uphill battle to secure a roster spot at cornerback. The Packers have several experienced players ahead of him, making the competition fierce.

With the NFL cutdown day looming on August 27th, Melton has three preseason games to prove he can be a valuable asset in the defensive backfield. While there will inevitably be growing pains as he adjusts to this new role, his commitment and willingness to learn have already made an impression on coaches.

"I believe in him, and I'm excited to see where this can go, but at the same time, I think everybody's got to kind of slow down. Everything's not going to look perfect, but I was fired up," Hafley said. "I love the guy. You win with guys like Bo."

"We're excited that we have him, regardless of what side of the ball he's on. He's going to be an impact on our team," Bisaccia added.