Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton, who was signed to the 53-man roster after producing a career-best 105 receiving yards on Sunday night in Minneapolis, has quickly become a go-to player in big spots for Jordan Love the Packers passing game.
Consider this: Melton’s 11 catches over the last three weeks have produced nine first downs and one touchdown, including five conversions on third down.
On Sunday night against the Vikings, Melton had four different conversions on third down, including a 9-yard touchdown catch that essentially put the game away in the third quarter.
Melton has played only 94 snaps and run 52 routes in 2023, but Love and coach Matt LaFleur clearly trust him in big spots.
In Carolina, Melton converted a 3rd-and-10 with an 11-yard catch and was targeted on two other third downs.
In Minnesota, Melton converted 3rd-and-1, 3rd-and-6, 3rd-and-3 and 3rd-and-7 with catches.
Melton has also converted a 2nd-and-10 with a 14-yard catch (in Carolina) and a 2nd-and-8 with a 28-yard catch (in Minnesota).
Jordan Love launching off his back foot 😱
📺: #GBvsMIN on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/cOt1Gy93Av pic.twitter.com/qMEEgGPz9Q— NFL (@NFL) January 1, 2024
Capping off a 91-yard drive!
BO MELTON WITH THE TD.#GBvsMIN | #GoPackGo
📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/WFLmaTFDRD
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 1, 2024
If there’s one blemish for Melton, it came on Sunday night. The second-year receiver attempted to make a sliding catch on fourth down near the scoring area but couldn’t finish the catch. With a better throw, Melton might have scored, but he still should have made the play and the conversion. It was just another example of Love and the Packers trusting Melton in a big moment.
He might be needed in more big spots in the season finale. Jayden Reed is dealing with a chest injury and could be in danger of missing Sunday’s showdown with the Chicago Bears. If Reed can’t go, Melton will be on the field plenty in a game where the Packers can clinch a playoff spot with a win.
