These NFL Draft Preview notes are some observations and thoughts I have I as review the QB play across the country this year. There are so many things guys are doing well and sometimes there are coaching points we can all benefit from hearing again. Rooting for nothing but success for every QB that steps on the field, there is plenty to learn from these vets preparing for their next opportunity.
Tommy Mellott, Montana St, 6'0, 208, 4.42
2024 204c/301a 67.8% 2,783yds 31td 2int 15rtd
+ ELITE MOBILITY
Tommy is one of the most, if not the most explosive player available in this draft class. His 15 rushing tds and numerous explosive runs are a real weapon. Those legs don't just gain yards on the ground... rush lanes and defender eye discipline typically cripple all pass rush and the defense is forced to pray for containment. The dual threat QB is here to stay and Tommy may just be the best one of the bunch.
+ OFF SCHEDULE CREATIVITY
Time and space is the biggest enemy of coverage and QBs who can extend and create will always have a chance. Tommy has great feel and vision, only being sacked 10 times this season is an impressive feat. Finding ways to pick up difficult 3rd downs is a luxury that typically equates to winning. Additionally, Tommy does a nice job of avoiding taking big hits, reminds me of when Russle Wilson would take off early in his career, always seemed to slip out of any real damaging hits.
+ CAPABLE PASSER
Tommy has the ability to make the defense pay for leaving guys open, he is a capable passer who regularly throws a catchable ball. He is specifically accurate in the drop back game when he is on balance and on time. Play action passes where the intial intent is open seem to be his most accurate and it makes sense as that compliments his game best. Additionally, when his base is reasonably under his body, he has better command of ball placement. He does have some elements that lengthen his release and will limit his ability to anticipate timing throws. His naturally low carriage and takeaway show up regularly and will be something to keep an eye on.
- ONE SPEED
Sometimes guys with elite speed are so use to relying on that speed that it becomes hard to see things any other way. There is a real art to utilizing tempo as a weapon and knowing when to slow things down and not rush into danger. You'll notice the most elite play makers sometime jog and almost stroll around on the field waiting for things to develop, Mahomes has an enitre HOF careers worth of highlights on these slow-motion style plays. Experience will help Tommy add this awareness and improve this ability over time.
- EXTENDED MECHANICS
A couple things show up with Tommy's throwing mechanics that will need to be addressed if he wants to maximize his consistency as a passer. He is casual with the carriage of the ball and regulary pats the ball on progression reads. This rythmic process gives information and time to clued in defenders, it also requires an extended duration limiting Tommy's ability to deliver reactionairy throws outside of scheduled anticipation. The ball takaway is also longer and inefficient as the ball nears the beltline even after Tommy has decided to pull the trigger. These are easy to identify but hard to fix habits that will take some focused work, if he can address them he will absolutely reap worthy benefits.
In summary, Tommy is a winner and a playmaker. His numbers speak for themselves and time will tell if his skill set can transfer to the next level. I look forward to following his journey and will be rooting for his success.
-Coach Nate Longshore