Raiders NFL draft grades: How experts viewed Raiders' 2 quarterback picks
The Las Vegas Raiders selected two quarterbacks, Tommy Mellott from Montana State and Cam Miller from North Dakota State, in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Mellott, an award-winning athlete with impressive speed, is expected to transition from quarterback to wide receiver due to his size and skill set. Meanwhile, Miller, a dual-threat quarterback with solid decision-making abilities, is anticipated to back up Geno Smith for the Raiders. Expert opinions on the picks are mixed, with grades ranging from C to D for Mellott and slightly higher for Miller. The selections reflect the Raiders' strategic approach to acquiring versatile players who could potentially fill multiple roles on the team.
Tommy Mellott, despite being drafted as a quarterback, is anticipated to switch positions to wide receiver given his athletic ability and 4.39-second 40-yard dash time. His performance at the FCS level was impressive, earning him the 2024 Walter Payton Award with over 2,700 passing yards, 1,050 rushing yards, and 46 total touchdowns.
Cam Miller, a four-year starter from North Dakota State, has been noted for his dual-threat capabilities and efficient passing, boasting a 73.5% completion rate and 45 total touchdowns in his last season. Experts see him as a potential backup quarterback for Geno Smith, highlighting his solid intangibles and decision-making skills.
The Raiders' decision to draft two quarterbacks in quick succession was strategic, aiming to bolster their roster with versatile players. Mellott’s transition to wide receiver is seen as a project, with some experts questioning the decision instead of selecting a more traditional receiver.
Expert evaluations gave Mellott a range of grades, mostly around D to C, due to concerns about his fit as a quarterback in the NFL and his potential transition. His athleticism is a strong suit, but his size and position transition are viewed as challenges.
Miller received slightly better evaluations, with grades around C, as his role as a quarterback is clearer and his performance history suggests a reliable backup option. His quick release and ability to create plays in open space are noted as strengths.
The Raiders' draft strategy reflects a focus on acquiring players who bring flexibility and potential to adapt in various roles within the team, addressing both immediate and future needs.
Overall, the mixed expert opinions highlight the uncertainty and potential of the Raiders' selections, emphasizing the importance of how these players develop and are utilized by the team.
The Las Vegas Raiders were expected to take a quarterback at some point in the 2025 NFL draft, and while they waited all the way until the sixth round, they actually landed two.
Well, that depends. With their first quarterback selection, they took Montana State's Tommy Mellott, who many experts believe will play wide receiver at the next level. However, the Raiders could use him as a gadget quarterback, also, thanks to his impressive speed. That is, if he even makes the roster or the practice squad.
Two picks later, the Raiders drafted North Dakota State's Cam Miller, who offers dual-threat ability, a quick release and plus-touch on his throws. We'll see if he can managed to crack the roster or the practice squad.
Here's how experts graded the Raiders' draft selections of Miller and Mellott.
Cam Miller NFL draft grades
Ostly: "Las Vegas makes it two quarterbacks in the last three picks by taking Miller, the productive four-year starter from North Dakota State. Miller's physical traits are average but his intangibles are solid and he makes the right decisions. He'll be a good backup to Geno Smith for Las Vegas."
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: C+
Trapasso: "Tommy Mellott is probably transitioning positions, but Cam Miller will stick at quarterback. He is an undersized distributor of the football. He will get the football out quickly and allow his playmakers to create in open space. Fortunately, Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers will oblige."
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: C
Sobleski: "The North Dakota State Bison are a sneaky quarterback factory, especially for an FCS program. Carson Wentz and Trey Lance were well-known high picks. But Easton Stick is now in his seventh professional season. Cam Miller is next in line after the Las Vegas Raiders selected him to back up Geno Smith. Miller is coming off career highs with a 73.5 completion percentage, 3,251 passing yards, 631 rushing yards and 45 total touchdowns."
Tommy Mellott NFL draft grades
Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY: D
Ostly: "Mellott is small by NFL quarterback standards at 6-foot and 208 pounds but is an impressive athlete (4.42-second 40-yard dash). That lends to think he may end up playing a different position in the NFL. If that's the case, the Raiders could use more help on both sides of the ball at this pick instead."
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: C
Trapasso: "Mellott may be listed at quarterback, but teams have been exploring the idea of using him as an athlete. If the plan is to make him a wide receiver, then why not take Xavier Restrepo? It is a project."
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: C
Sobleski: "Montana State’s Tommy Mellott obliterated competition at the FCS level, winning the 2024 Walter Payton Award. Last season, the collegiate quarterback threw for over 2,700 yards and ran for 1,050 more, with 46 total touchdowns. The Las Vegas Raiders now plan to convert him to wide receiver to see how his athleticism and toughness translate. Mellott did post an unofficial 4.39-second 40-yard dash, with a 9.68 relative athletic grade, prior to the draft."
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