Raiders Roll the Dice on Versatile Star Tommy Mellott in Late-Round Draft Surprise
With the 213th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders made one of their most intriguing moves yet—selecting Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott in the sixth round. But don’t be fooled by the “QB” label—Mellott brings a rare blend of athleticism and versatility that could see him take on a much different role at the next level.
Mellott is no stranger to making headlines. The dynamic playmaker dominated at the FCS level in 2024, earning the prestigious Walter Payton Award, handed annually to the top offensive player in FCS football. His standout season included 2,138 passing yards and an eye-popping 22-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio—a stat line that turned heads across the scouting world. But Mellott isn’t just a pocket passer. He’s an athlete in the purest sense of the word, and the Raiders are betting big on that potential.
In fact, the 6-foot-1 talent also drew attention during his Pro Day for taking reps as a wide receiver—fueling speculation that Las Vegas may see him more as a gadget weapon than a traditional quarterback. His speed, football IQ, and competitiveness have made him a fan favorite at Montana State, and those same qualities could help him carve out a unique role in the Raiders’ offense.
This marks the second FCS selection by the Raiders this year, signaling a willingness to look beyond the Power Five for hidden gems. Mellott may have flown under the radar compared to bigger-name prospects, but his combination of production, adaptability, and raw athletic skill make him an intriguing project pick with serious upside.
While there’s no guarantee Mellott sees time under center in the NFL, the Raiders’ willingness to take a chance on his dynamic skill set shows they’re thinking creatively about their offensive future. Whether he becomes a Taysom Hill-style hybrid weapon or settles into a full receiver transition, Mellott is a name to watch as training camp approaches.
Las Vegas may have waited until the sixth round to make this move—but if Mellott can translate his game to the pros, this late-round gamble could pay off in a big way