The man affectionately known as “Touchdown Tommy” to locals 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.
Mellott’s pre-draft workouts garnered attention, including from the Raiders, as clubs gushed over his athletic profile. At 5-foot-11, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds, posted a 41-inch vertical jump and recorded a broad jump of 10 feet, 4 inches. A playmaker with the ball in his hands, the rookie could carve out a role in special teams off the bat.
The Butte, Montana, native spent the months leading up to the draft developing his receiver skills, anticipating NFL teams would view him more as a playmaker, less as a QB.
“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.”
The Raiders drafted Cam Miller, out of FCS North Dakota State, two picks after taking Mellott. The move underscored the plan to move Mellott to wideout.
Vegas minority owner Tom Brady knows first-hand what it took for Edelman to make the transition from QB to WR and produce at a high level. The Raiders are hoping they can replicate that feat with Mellott.