The Packers will be hoping the 5-foot-11, 189-pound Melton — boasting 4.34-second 40-yard dash speed, a 38-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-1-inch broad jump — makes an impact as a “see ball, get ball” defender who clogs passing lanes on the perimeter. Given his speed, leaping ability, length and special-teams prowess, Melton is the perfect candidate to make the move from offense to defense as a backup player/situational defender in nickle/dime sub-packages.

“We’ve talked about this for a couple of years, just his skill set and how versatile he is,” current Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said this week during minicamps. “You watch him on [special teams] and you’re like, ‘Wow, he could probably do some of that.’ … I think it’s just something we’re going to kind of look at and see if that’s a possibility.

“Bo is everything we want in a football player out there as far as his ability as a receiver, certainly on [special] teams. If he’s able to add this to his arsenal, that makes him really, really, really valuable to us.”

Part of the Packers’ fascination with Melton’s potential as a defensive player stems from his superior athletic traits and the toughness he has displayed in the kicking game, particularly on coverage units and as a “vise” (cornerback) on punt returns. With the fourth-year pro already making contributions as a pass-catcher (eight receptions, 91 receiving yards) and runner (eight rushes, 54 rushing yards) in 2024, he provides the Packers with plenty of bang for their buck.

As a defensive back with extensive experience as a receiver in Green Bay and at Rutgers, Melton could make a smooth transition based on his comprehensive understanding of the passing game. From his ability to anticipate routes based on the wide receiver’s alignment to his knowledge of route concepts, he has an advantage over most players at his position. In addition, Melton’s hand-eye coordination and ball skills could make him a turnover machine in a “vision-and-break” scheme that creates interception opportunities on tipped or overthrown balls. The veteran, whose brother, Max Melton, plays cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals, could make a seamless transition after working hard on his footwork and fundamentals during the mandatory summer break.

As the Packers look to maximize their roster, Melton’s versatility makes him a valuable commodity as someone who could potentially fill three roles, on offense, defense and special teams — which could also extend his career.