The Packers Receiver That's Being Overshadowed Who Will Likely Make The Final Roster: Bo Melton
Happy Monday!
The Sideline Scoop is a newsletter dedicated to all things Packers. If you’d like to join 800+ Packers fans who receive this newsletter throughout the week feel free to subscribe.
The past month has been made up of us Packers fans getting extremely hyped about the potential of every new receiving weapon added through this year's draft. I’m all for the hype.
However one guy has become overshadowed.
I’m talking about Bo Melton.
The Packers added Bo Melton to their team late last December after he spent the first 16 weeks on the Seahawks practice squad. He was initially drafted in the 7th round by the Seahawks last year and was unable to crack the final roster or be elevated at any point during the season.
Things could change for him this year in Green Bay. I doubt he spends another full season on a practice squad.
There’s one thing that sets Bo Melton apart and that’s his speed. He is the fastest Packers receiver on the roster getting timed at 4.34 in the combine last year. Speed isn’t everything, but it can make up for not being the most physically gifted guy in the room. Here’s a look at the rest of Melton’s measurables and his RAS (Relative Athletic Score).
He’s elite in every area besides his height and weight. He’s actually very similar to 2nd round receiver Jayden Reed who measures at 5’11 185.
You may say, well he didn’t make the Seahawks roster in 2022 so what will change this year?
I’m so glad you asked.
Considering the Packers lost veteran after veteran in the wake of Aaron Rodgers leaving, the receiver room is younger than it’s ever been. While in times past veterans made up the first 3-4 spots at WR, things are different this year. Allen Lazard is gone. Randall Cobb is gone. Melton likely wouldn’t have made the roster last season, but this year his chances are much higher.
He was actually drafted before Packers 7th round 2022 draft pick Samori Toure and I’d say most Packers fans predict Toure making the roster this year.
His Role If He Makes The Team
Bo Melton can be a gadget player that the Packers use in a limited capacity when they want to switch things up. Think of a guy like Tyler Ervin who was with the Packers for a time. Ervin was a running back but Melton could fill a similar role. He didn’t play lots of snaps but from time to time the Packers would bring him in and run him in motions and jet sweeps. Because of his elite speed when he gets in open space, he’s gone.
All the Packers would need to do is get the ball in his hands and clear a lane and he’ll take care of the rest. In open space he’s a nightmare for opposing defenses. He doesn’t have the size and physicality to plow over guys, but he’s shifty. He’ll break your ankles if you aren’t careful.
I don’t think he has the size and ability to become a perimeter receiver in Green Bay but I could see him taking snaps out of the slot. His body type is very similar to Jayden Reed and watching his college highlights at Rutgers he’s great at positioning himself when the ball is in the air and goes up to make contested catches.
He was not in a great situation his final year at Rutgers. His QB Noah Verdal threw 7 TDs and 7 INTs in 13 games. No bueno. It’s hard to be elite when your QB is sub par.
When you are one of the final players at your position on the roster you also need to bring special teams value. He has some experience returning kicks so I wouldn’t rule out the Packers using him on punt or kick returns if need be. Keisean Nixon will likely continue as the Packers kickoff returner considering his massive success last year, but punt returner could be in the realm of possibilities.
The Packers currently have 10 receivers on their roster. If we look at the past 3 years the Packers kept 7 WR in 2022, 7 WR in 2021, and 5 WR in 2020. I could see them keeping 6 or 7 once again.
Christian Watson
Romeo Doubs
Jayden Reed
Samori Toure
Dontayvion Wicks
Bo Melton
Grant Dubose
Malik Heath
Deuce Watts
Jeff Cotton
The final receivers to make this roster is going to be something to watch as training camp comes to a close. I’d say the top 5 on my list are locks to make the roster.
Watson and Doubs are the #1 and #2 receiver. Jayden Reed being a 2nd round WR is likely to start out in the slot. Samori Toure, while being a 7th rounder, has one year of experience in Matt Lafleur’s offense and this past week the receiver coach sounded very excited about the progress he’s made.
Dontayvion Wicks was a 5th round pick by the Packers this year and I don’t see them cutting him. He’s got lots of potential. If the Packers released him I believe he’d be picked up by another team before they could add him to the practice squad.
I put Melton over 7th rounder Dubose because of his experience of now having 1 year in the NFL under his belt. Plus Melton has been here since late December which means he’s had 4 more months to learn the Packers playbook then the rookies who just recently made their way on the roster in late April.
If the Packers were to only keep 5 receivers Melton may not make the cut. We’ll have to see what happens in training camp and pre-season. You never know who will rise to the top. Each training camp there are a few guys who come out and make a name for themselves that you wouldn’t have expected.
That’s all for today. Today was the first day of Packers OTAs but the media was not allowed to be present. Tomorrow the media will be present so stay tuned for updates. You can subscribe to the newsletter down below so you never miss anything I write on the Packers.