In a surprising development during the first day of Green Bay’s mandatory minicamp, general manager Brian Gutekunst confirmed the team is exploring a potential position change for wide receiver Bo Melton. The move, which could see Melton take meaningful snaps at cornerback, has drawn attention as the Packers adjust to a reshaped secondary in the wake of Jaire Alexander’s recent release.
Bo Melton’s Unlikely Shift to Cornerback After Alexander’s Exit Raises Eyebrows in Green Bay
While the move appears unconventional on the surface, Gutekunst offered insight into the rationale behind it.
Brian Gutekunst says the Packers want to look at the possibility of Melton playing CB. Coaches have been contemplating the idea. https://t.co/kz0WbzziXQ
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) June 10, 2025
“I think it’s just something we’re going to look at and see if that’s a possibility,” he said, emphasizing that Melton’s athleticism and versatility make him an intriguing option.
Melton has not been removed from his role on offense, nor has he stopped contributing on special teams. But his appearance in cornerback drills and eventual participation on defense during 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 sessions marked a significant development.
Melton’s case is unusual, yet not baseless. He did play cornerback in college, and his brother Max, currently with the Arizona Cardinals, was a second-round pick at the same position.
Gutekunst hinted that this experiment was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. “It’s funny. We’ve talked about this for a couple of years, just his skill set and how versatile he is,” he remarked. “You watch him on (special) teams and you’re like, ‘Wow, he can probably do some of that.’”
With 2025 draft picks Matthew Golden and Savion Williams entering a stacked receiver room and all six top contributors from 2024 still under contract, Melton’s chances at wideout have become increasingly slim. This has potentially opened the door for him to find a roster spot by contributing in other places, including defense.
Melton’s raw tools – 5-foot-11, 189 pounds, 4.34 40-yard dash, and a 38-inch vertical – offer a measurable foundation for the transition. During the unpadded minicamp session, Melton even tackled Tucker Kraft during a team period. It wasn’t full speed, but it showed quick adaptability.
The urgency behind this shift is underscored by the Packers’ current cornerback situation. With Alexander gone, the team is now down to three corners with actual NFL game experience. Nate Hobbs leads the group, flanked by Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine, while rookies like Jonathan Bullard and unproven depth pieces fill out the room.
Still, Gutekunst expressed confidence: “No, I feel really good, really good… The three guys have proven their ability in this league. I like their makeup, their toughness, their ability to play, their versatility. So I’m excited about that group.” Whether Melton ultimately makes the transition or not, the Packers’ gamble signals just how fluid and vulnerable their defensive depth chart has become heading into 2025.