Tommy to the Raiders

[nanacat]

Taken from the Raiders Mailbag...

RaiderNation #Hillbilly Jim (@NotWhoYouWas): What positions was Tommy Mellott used (at)? How many kick and punt returns (did he take)?

Bonsignore: The Raiders’ rookie sixth-round pick out of Montana State was a quarterback in college, but he was primarily a slot receiver during the team’s offseason program. Mellott also looked comfortable returning kicks. He’ll likely have to fight his way onto the roster through special teams.
Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.

[TomCat88]

It has probably been mentioned but only 8.7% of sixth round picks make the 53-man roster.

[BelligerentBobcat]

It has probably been mentioned but only 8.7% of sixth round picks make the 53-man roster.

In their rookie season?

I find that hard to believe.

[MSU01]

It has probably been mentioned but only 8.7% of sixth round picks make the 53-man roster.

Of the 32 sixth round picks in the 2024 draft, 25 of them played at some point in the regular season last year. The chance of making a roster seems a lot higher than 8.7% unless last season was a huge anomaly.

[TomCat88]

Sorry, I read that wrong. It says 8.7% of sixth rounders become starters. 75-80% make the team.

[TomCat88]

I think Tommy's biggest weakness is his lack of fluidity, but I haven't heard this from any of the experts, so maybe it's just me seeing something that isn't there. By 'lack of fluidity' I mean he doesn't always react smoothly as plays develop. This causes him to miss opportunities that he might otherwise take advantage of. This usually occurred on pass plays at MSU. He was better during running plays; however he would commit to running a little late or too early at times. He, of course, made up for most of that with outstanding athleticism.

[AFCAT]

I should have gone into the Tommy Mellott trading card business. For comparison; you can purchase signed Troy Andersen rookie cards from $4 to $50.

[nanacat]

Another Tommy mention

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/643340 ... -minicamp/

[AFCAT]

https://www.ktvh.com/sports/butte-pays- ... and-dreams

[AFCAT]

[AFCAT]

[AFCAT]

[nevadacat]

Tommy pictured on front page of Las Vegas Review Journal sports section today in a piece about rookies.

Tommy Mellott, wide receiver

What they are saying: “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 really as an athlete/receiver, but he’s a unique guy.” — Scouting director Brandon Yeargan

The lowdown: Mellott played quarterback in college, so he faces a learning curve making the transition to wide receiver. For comparison sake, think former Patriots great Julian Edelman, a college quarterback at Kent State who developed into a dangerous NFL receiver. Mellott should see plenty of action on special teams early as he develops at receiver.

The prediction: 31 targets, 18 catches, 198 yards. Punt return: 32 returns, 289 yards. Kick returns: 12 returns for 295 yards.

[kmax]

The prediction: 31 targets, 18 catches, 198 yards. Punt return: 32 returns, 289 yards. Kick returns: 12 returns for 295 yards.

Those may not be eye-popping numbers, especially for Cat fans and what we are used to seeing from Tommy, but if he were able to accomplish that as a rookie that would be an amazingly successful start to his NFL career!

[grizzh8r]

The prediction: 31 targets, 18 catches, 198 yards. Punt return: 32 returns, 289 yards. Kick returns: 12 returns for 295 yards.

Those may not be eye-popping numbers, especially for Cat fans and what we are used to seeing from Tommy, but if he were able to accomplish that as a rookie that would be an amazingly successful start to his NFL career!

I know the competition level is just so much different in the NFL, but I will be shocked if there wasn't at least one of those 60 or so predicted touches that didn't generate a score. After all, he didn't get the name Touchdown Tommy for nothing... Calling that right now if he gets that many touches and stays healthy.

Could be a TD or a 2 point conversion on a special/gadget type play. Shoot, both Singleton and TA have scored defensive TD's in their careers. Tommy's faster than both, and definitely more elusive/slippery.

[nanacat]

https://www.montanasports.com/college/m ... EZulqCAPRw

[FA_Q_M]

Cliché as it may be, I think Tommy's biggest attribute, outside of his athletic ability, is he is a football player. We've all seen guys who were off the charts with athletic ability fall flat on their face; not able to play the game. Tommy is a gamer and I wouldn't bet a cent against him. His "ball player" mentality will get him on the field. That's when people will shocked by the athletic ability of the kid from Montana State. Mark it.