Raiders Take a Chance on Versatile Talent in Sixth Round
The Las Vegas Raiders may have found their version of Julian Edelman in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
During the draft process, Tommy Mellott drew repeated comparisons to Edelman. The recently named New England Patriots club Hall of Famer, known for his successful conversion from quarterback to wide receiver at the professional level.
A Stellar FCS Career at Montana State
Mellott was a standout player at Montana State, where he spent four years leading the Bobcats to two Big Sky titles and four FCS playoff appearances. His exceptional play earned him the 2024 Walter Payton Award, given to the most outstanding offensive player in FCS football.
While the Raiders announced Mellott as a quarterback on draft day, the plan is for him to fill a “slash” role, learning wide receiver and contributing on special teams. His versatility could even make him a threat in trick plays thanks to his quarterback background.
Raiders See a Unique Athletic Profile
“I wouldn’t pigeonhole him right now,” Raiders college scouting director Brandon Yeargan said, via the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “I would say we view him as a receiver that’s going to have a lot of value in the kicking game, potentially as a returner, as a cover player, maybe play some quarterback too. We’re looking (at him) really as an athlete/receiver, but he’s a unique guy.”
Known as “Touchdown Tommy” in his hometown, Mellott ranks second in rushing touchdowns (43), third in rushing yards (3,517), fifth in passing touchdowns (53) and fifth in passing yards (5,810) in Montana State history.
A Strong Pre-Draft Showing
Mellott’s athleticism was on full display during pre-draft workouts, capturing the attention of several teams, including the Raiders. Standing 5-foot-11, Mellott clocked a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, posted a 41-inch vertical jump and recorded a broad jump of 124 inches.
With his ability to make plays when the ball is in his hands, Mellott is expected to make an immediate impact on special teams.
Embracing the Transition
The Butte, Montana native spent the months leading up to the draft developing his skills as a receiver. Anticipating that NFL teams would see him more as a versatile offensive weapon than a traditional quarterback.
“My entire career in college, to be honest with you, has kind of been a do-it-all individual as well,” Mellott said. “And so that’s what I’m going to be about when I get down to Las Vegas, is just a do-it-all kind of guy who’s going to obviously perfect his craft, whatever is expected of me, and do that and more.”
A Clear Plan in Vegas
Just two picks after drafting Mellott, the Raiders selected quarterback Cam Miller out of FCS powerhouse North Dakota State. Signaling their intention to shift Mellott to wide receiver.
Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, who played with Edelman in New England, understands the effort and mindset required to make such a position change succeed. Now, the Raiders hope to recreate that formula with Mellott.
