Tommy Mellott set to follow Julian Edelman's footsteps as Tom Brady backs Raiders' next QB-to-WR project
Julian Edelman's journey from a college quarterback to Super Bowl MVP is the kind of NFL transformation legends are built on. Nearly two decades later, Tom Brady and the Las Vegas Raiders appear ready to recreate that success story with rookie Tommy Mellott now stepping into the spotlight as their next potential quarterback-to-receiver conversion project.
Tom
Brady
's
Edelman
blueprint reimagined in Las Vegas
Julian Edelman's NFL journey began with a mistake, a botched hook route during OTAs that drew Tom Brady's wrath. But instead of folding under pressure, Edelman used the moment to fuel his relentless development as a slot receiver. Fast forward, he became Brady's most trusted target, particularly in pressure-packed playoff moments.
That exact transformation could now inspire the Raiders' approach with Mellott.
Brady, now part-owner of the franchise, saw firsthand how Edelman turned himself into a reliable wideout. And with the Raiders' selection of dual-threat Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott—who lacks the NFL arm but has the speed, vision, and grit—the writing is on the wall: a position switch is underway.
Tom Brady & The Las Vegas Raiders LOVED Tommy Mellott In The NFL DRAFT...
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein pegged Mellott as a 'QB-to-WR' project with serious potential. Mellott doesn't just have impressive athleticism; he has the mental toughness and football IQ that make such transitions work.
In 2024, he racked up 2,783 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and over 1,000 rushing yards—proof he can make plays in multiple ways.
Raiders' offseason moves signal trust in Mellott's shift
The Raiders' decision to draft another quarterback, NDSU's Cam Miller, immediately after selecting Mellott points to a clear strategy: Miller is QB3, Mellott is a receiver in the making. Mellott has already embraced that challenge, highlighting his past experience playing multiple roles, including wide receiver and special teams during his time at Montana State.
Meanwhile, the Raiders recently waived second-year quarterback Carter Bradley, further thinning their QB room and solidifying the roles heading into camp. With Geno Smith as the starter, Aidan O'Connell as the backup, and Miller as the developmental arm, Mellott's path to a WR spot looks open.
Also Read:
NFL QB rankings 2025: Jalen Hurts falls to No. 9, Emmanuel Acho slams list as 'Asinine'
If Mellott continues his development and builds trust with his quarterbacks the way Edelman did, the Raiders may have a clutch pass-catcher on their hands. The transformation won't be easy, but with Brady's backing and a proven template in place, Tommy Mellott could be the next great quarterback-turned-receiver story the NFL needs.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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