The Rookie Hidden Gem 💎 I own in 100% of My Dynasty Leagues

The search for the next Puka Nacua might turn into the search for the Fountain of Youth. Is there another mythical rookie who was a late round pick but can step in year 1 and put up WR1 numbers? Probably not…. but there are certainly WRs drafted past the 5th round in this year’s draft who will become fantasy relevant eventually. Maybe not league winning superstars, but solid contributors.

I have 1 rookie that I am all in on this year. His name is Tommy Mellott aka “Touchdown Tommy”. I think he has a legitimate shot to become fantasy relevant by year end, and if I’m betting on a late round pick who has Puka upside, he’s my pick.

Mellott was drafted in the 6th round of the 2025 NFL draft with the 213th pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. A prolific dual threat college QB at Montana State, Mellott set many records there. He looks to transition from QB to WR.

1. The Work Ethic

Yes, many NFL players have great work ethics, but Mellott seems to have a special work ethic. Take this excerpt from an article on buttesports.com. For some added context, Butte is Mellott’s hometown and he was Gatorade Player of the year in Montana. Seems like he’s got the entire state behind him.

“Still, even with all the success, Tommy never changed. He remained humble. He stayed hungry. He always played like he had something left to prove. And now, he gets that chance all over again. The Raiders didn’t just draft a quarterback, an athlete, or a name on a list. They drafted a worker. A fighter. A leader. They drafted a kid who still plays every snap like he’s chasing a dream — because in a way, he always will. For everyone back home in Butte, today is about pride. It’s about heart. It’s about remembering that no dream is too big if you’re willing to work for it the way Tommy Mellott always has.”

2. The Physical Tools

Former college QBs that run 4.39 40 yard dashes and have 41 inch vertical leaps are an incredibly rare phenomenon. At 5 11’ and 200 lbs, Mellott has enough size to operate as an NFL WR and his speed might allow him to see the field on snaps out wide as well as in the slot.

Mellott’s NFL speed and explosion should help him make a smoother transition to the WR position from QB. Speed can’t be taught and although NFL receivers can make it in the league with sub-par speed; the athleticism Mellott possesses should help him cause havoc for defenses, either kick return units or NFL secondaries.

3. The Intelligence

Mellott majored in financial engineering at Montana State. To save you the google, that is basically quantitative finance which involves using math, statistics and programming to solve financial problems. Typical graduates of these degree programs go on to be employed by hedge funds and investment banks. Adapting to a new position will be a mental battle and Mellott seems to be equipped mentally to rise to the challege.

4. Some of the Hardware

• 2019 Montana Gatorade High School Player of the Year

• 2024

  • Walter Payton Award Winner

  • Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year

  • First Team All American

  • First Team All Big Sky

5. The Versatility

Further helping Mellott’s cause is his versatility. If he wants to take an Edelman like career progression then his best bet is to flourish as a kick returner early on and step into more and more receiving work as the season progresses. Getting on the field for trick plays or bringing some explosive speed to the slot that Meyers and Bech lack could be Mellott’s ticket to increased offensive snaps. In the ultra-competitive NFL world, having the ability to impact the game in different ways can keep you on the 53 man roster. Taysom Hill/Edelman hybrid remains the comp I keep coming back to for Mellott’s ceiling outcome.

6. The Depth Chart

Brock Bowers figures to be the focal point of the Raiders offense but outside of him and Jakobi Meyers, Jack Bech, Dont’e Thornton, Tre Tucker and Mellott figure to compete for WR2/3 snaps. Yes, Ashton Jeanty will catch the ball out of the backfield but the all world talents of Bowers and Jeanty should serve to open up targets for other Raiders pass catchers. Maybe Bech or Meyers will feast in the slot, or maybe Tre Tucker/Thornton or Mellott will assert themselves and become target earners. Geno Smith will be able to help the Raiders score more points this year and all the skill position players should benefit.

7. The Organization & Offensive Scheme

Partial owner of the Raiders, Tom Brady, had a front row seat to Julian Edelman’s transformation from college QB to NFL ALL pro. If there’s anyone in an NFL ownership circle who can mentor a talented former QB turned WR in the NFL it’s TB12.

OC Chip Kelly is known for his offensive creativity. Mellott could likely see the field early in trick play or wildcat formations. Pete Carroll has historically emphasized running the ball and the 1st round selection of workhorse Ashton Jeanty makes it clear that the run game will be emphasized for the Raiders. But Kelly’s creativity, play-calling talent and past NFL success will allow Raiders pass catchers to thrive.

I realize that hundred of rookie enter the NFL with similar resumes. But I truly believe in Tommy Mellott. There’s something about him that makes me think he’ll be on Raiders highlight reels. Whether that’s confined to kick return TDs or extends into Touchdown grabs… time will tell.

Trade Tracker:

I’ve recently made updates to my trade tracker tool to make it work for even more dynasty leagues! Track your traded rookie picks over the years and see where they ended up for free.

fantasyamp.com/streamlit 

Stay Amped,

John

fantasyamp.com