Montana State's Tommy Mellott a hidden gem in the 2025 NFL Draft

USA Today

18-04-2025

Montana State's Tommy Mellott a hidden gem in the 2025 NFL Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches on April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Montana State University quarterback Tommy Mellott stands out as a hidden gem from the FCS ranks. The 6-foot, 208-pound senior from Butte, Montana, is fun to watch with being a dual-threat and elite athleticism making him a compelling late-round or undrafted free agent prospect. Despite playing at a smaller program, Mellott's accolades and pro day performance suggest he could carve out an NFL role, potentially as a quarterback, gadget player, or even a Julian Edelman-style slot receiver.
Lovinging known in Bozeman as 'Tommy Touchdown' , his college career is heavy with historic achievements. He became Montana State's first Walter Payton Award winner in 2024, recognizing him as the FCS's top offensive player, and was named Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Year. His 2024 season was a masterclass: 2,783 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and just two interceptions with a 67.8% completion rate, plus 1,050 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Over his career, he amassed 3,523 rushing yards (second in MSU history) and 5,810 passing yards (fifth). He showcased that talent of being able to throw, rush, and catch a touchdown in a single playoff game is just one example of how he could be a Swiss Army Knife for many offensive coordinators in the NFL.
Mellot prepared for Montana State's pro day by heading to San Diego immediately after the loss to North Dakota State in the FCS National Championship to train with Lee Spellman at Spellman Performance Facility. Mellott's Pro Day performance was elite and had scouts take notice. Had he attended the combine he would have been at the top of the rankings in every single one the skill drills. With a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, a 41-inch vertical, which would have set the NFL Combine QB record, and a 10-foot-4 broad jump, these metrics, paired with his 4.20-second short shuttle and 6.93-second L-drill, highlight, his athleticism was indisputable. Scouts from 13 NFL and five CFL teams attended, with the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Commanders, and Dallas Cowboys all working out the former Bobcat in the last few weeks leading up to the draft. Mellott also participated in wide receiver and punt return drills, adding to what his value could be for a team's 53 man roster.
Despite his FCS competition level and what some have claimed an undersized frame, Mellott's football IQ, work ethic, and leadership make him an enticing developmental prospect. Analysts project him as a seventh-round pick or undrafted free agent, citing concerns about arm strength and pocket presence. However, his fit in RPO-heavy or West Coast offenses, where his mobility and short-to-intermediate accuracy can shine, only adds to the appeal of the value he could be in this draft. Comparisons to Taysom Hill or Edelman suggest he could thrive as a multi-role player.
Mellott's journey from Butte to FCS stardom embodies the underdog spirit. With his pro day buzz and NFL interest, this 'Touchdown Tommy' could surprise as a roster-worthy talent, proving small-school prospects can make big impacts.