Green Bay Packers Football: Team Roster, Schedule & More

Tag: Packers minicamp

  • Packers Plan for Quay Walker: No Option, But Full Support

    Packers Plan for Quay Walker: No Option, But Full Support

    As the Green Bay Packers wrap up their offseason program and head into training camp, all eyes are on Quay Walker, the team’s former first-round pick who is still a big piece of their defense even though his fifth-year option wasn’t picked up.

    Walker, a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has been the Packers’ most consistent defender. He’s led the team in tackles each of his first three seasons and has over 100 total tackles every year, including 102 in 2024.

    Despite that production, the Packers didn’t pick up his rookie deal via the fifth-year option like they did with fellow 2022 draftee Devonte Wyatt earlier this offseason.

    But don’t worry — general manager Brian Gutekunst said earlier this summer the team still sees a long-term future with Walker in Green Bay.

    “We collectively have high expectations for him,” head coach Matt LaFleur said recently.

    A Focused Recovery, Not a Setback

    Walker didn’t participate in on-field activities during mandatory minicamp, but LaFleur said there were no new injuries or setbacks in his rehab process.

    Instead, Walker worked with the rehab group due to lingering effects from last season when he missed four games — one due to a concussion and three from an ankle injury. He also missed time in 2023 with a knee issue.

    But LaFleur is optimistic about Walker entering Year 4 and his second under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

    “He’s mentally much further along,” LaFleur said. “Having a foundation of playing in this league now a few years, and he’s played some really good football.”

    The challenge now? Consistency.

    Can Walker stay healthy and play at a high level every week?

    That’s the next step — and the Packers are betting he can do it.

    Other Minicamp Notes: Absences and Anticipation

    Walker wasn’t the only player missing time during minicamp.

    Here’s the list:

    • Jayden Reed
    • Nate Hobbs
    • Christian Watson
    • Elgton Jenkins
    • Aaron Banks
    • Zayne Anderson
    • Kalen King
    • John Williams* Messiah Swinson
    • Micah Robinson
    • Julian Hicks
    • Kamal Hadden
    • Omar Brown
    • Collin Oliver

    LaFleur said he’s hopeful they’ll be ready for training camp, “sometime during camp.”

    Big surprise: Bo Melton is taking reps at corner. Even his brother, an NFL corner, is impressed with his versatility.

    Mark Murphy’s Emotional Sendoff

    Minicamp wrapped up with a great moment as longtime Packers President Mark Murphy addressed the team for the last time before he retires.

    After kicker Brandon McManus booted a 58 yard field goal, practice ended early, and LaFleur gathered the team for a final huddle.

    Murphy will officially step down on July 25 and be replaced by Ed Policy. He got a signed helmet from the team.

    LaFleur praised Murphy’s leadership and impact on and off the field:

    “He’s a better man than leader. Appreciate him for the opportunity to be part of this great organization. It’s changed my life and my family’s life.”

    The sendoff ended with a full team chant: “1, 2, 3 — Super Bowl!”

    Looking Ahead: Training Camp and Beyond

    Minicamp is done, now it’s on to training camp, which starts July 23.

    For Quay Walker, this next phase is huge. The Packers didn’t pick up his 5th year option, but they’re invested in what he brings to the table — on the field and in the locker room.

    He needs to stay healthy and elevate his game to determine if the Packers lock him up long term or let him walk in free agency.

    Either way, the message from the coaches and front office is clear:

    They believe in Quay Walker — and they’re all in on him.

  • Packers Betting on Bo Melton as Their Next Two Way Threat

    Packers Betting on Bo Melton as Their Next Two Way Threat

    Green Bay’s Bo Melton still considers himself a wide receiver first and foremost, even as he spends part of the Packers’ minicamp working out at cornerback. The 26-year-old has made it clear that he’s not transitioning to defense, but he’s open to testing his abilities in a new role.

    “I want to give it a shot,” Melton said Wednesday. “I’m still a wide receiver, so I’m not really transitioning to cornerback, but if it works, it works.”

    The idea of trying Melton out on defense came up long before the Packers released Jaire Alexander, one of their top cornerbacks. It was actually discussed shortly after the team signed him off the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad in December 2022.

    A Team-First Mindset

    Melton’s willingness to try something new stems from his team-first mentality. He told reporters that Head Coach Matt LaFleur approached him with the idea, and he was all in.

    “Coach (Matt) LaFleur came up and asked me, ‘Would you ever think about doing it?’” Melton recalled. “I was like, ‘If it’s going to help the team, I might as well,’ you know what I mean? That’s my motto since I’ve been here. I’m a team-first guy.”

    His teammates were initially surprised when they saw him practicing with the defensive backs during Tuesday’s minicamp. Carrington Valentine, a Packers cornerback, admitted he wasn’t aware of the plan until Melton joined the defensive group.

    Even Max Melto, Bo’s younger brother and an Arizona Cardinals cornerback, was stunned. He learned about Bo’s defensive work through social media and called it “shocking.”

    “I’m like, ‘What the hell?’ … It’s just shocking. I’m still in shock,” Max said.

    No Comparison to Travis Hunter

    Despite the buzz around Travis Hunter, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ rookie who played both receiver and cornerback while winning the Heisman Trophy , Melton insists he won’t compare himself to the two-way star.

    “He’s a different athlete, as everybody knows,” Melton said. “He’s a Heisman Trophy winner, won a lot of awards. I’m not going to compare myself to somebody that’s done that. But what I will say is I like to run for days.”

    Melton’s work ethic has helped him stick on an NFL roster as an undrafted free agent. He spent time on the practice squad in 2023 before being activated for key games, where he showed his ability to contribute on offense and special teams.

    A New Role, Same Old Work Ethic

    While the Packers have Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Nate Hobbs as their top three cornerbacks, they lack depth behind them. If Melton can provide any kind of contribution, it would add value and increase his chances of staying on the roster.

    “I still don’t know if it’s going to be true or not,” Melton said. “Coach Matt, we’ll figure that out. When I meet with Coach, we’ll see what’s going on. Right now I’m just going to go train for wideout. I feel like that’s where I thrive at, that’s where I make plays at. And defense, if it comes, it comes.”

    Valentine, who has been helping Melton learn the ropes, said he sees potential.

    “He’s been embracing it,” Valentine said. “I’ve been trying to show him the ropes a little bit. Give him some DB 101. But he looks natural to me.”

    A Family Legacy

    Max Melton, who is currently at the Arizona Cardinals’ minicamp, is eager to see how his brother adapts to the new role.

    “I’m looking forward to seeing how it unfolds, to be honest,” Max said. “I’m just excited.”

    Whether or not Melton becomes a two-way threat, his team-first attitude and work ethic have already made an impression on the Packers. And with Bo Melton’s name starting to circulate in the football world, the future could be bright for this versatile player.