One of the more intriguing draft picks, not just by the Las Vegas Raiders but of the entire draft, was the team’s selection of Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott in the sixth round. However, it was notable that the Raiders announced Mellott as a wide receiver when he was selected.
At just 5’11” and coming from an FCS school, it was always expected that Mellott would switch positions. He has drawn comparisons to former New England Patriots standout Julian Edelman, who was also a college quarterback.
The Raiders certainly see the value in Mellott and view him as a very unique player who can help the team in a lot of facets and aren’t going to slot him into just one spot as he gets his NFL career underway, via Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
“I wouldn’t pigeonhole him right now,” Raiders college scouting director Brandon Yeargan said. “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.”
Last season, Mellott threw for 2,783 yards and rushed for another 1,050, totaling 46 touchdowns. At his pro day, he ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and had a vertical leap of 41 inches, showing off his receiving ability after months of work on it beforehand.
It paid off as Mellott turned a lot of heads at his workout, and the Raiders are excited about what he can develop into. And for his part, Mellott is ready to do whatever he is asked to help the Raiders:
“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.”
First-round picks get most of the attention, but selections like these can also really change the fortunes of a franchise. If Mellott turns out to be a gem in the sixth round, the Raiders have set their offense up for great things.
Raiders’ Ashton Jeanty ranks fourth amongst rookies in jersey sales
Tommy Mellott certainly has a lot of potential, but first-round pick Ashton Jeanty is expected to step in immediately and make an impact for this Raiders team.
The running back already has the fan base excited. He ranks fourth among rookies in jersey sales, trailing only top overall pick Cam Ward, second overall pick Travis Hunter, and the extremely popular Shedeur Sanders.
