Prospect X’s Draft Day: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Draft day is a nerve-wracking experience for any aspiring NFL player, but for Prospect X, it was a day filled with uncertainty and anticipation. Despite the excitement surrounding the NFL Draft, X was not keen on hosting a draft party. He knew that nothing was guaranteed, and the last thing he wanted was to create a Super Bowl-like atmosphere with no results to show for it. When his mom, Dina, suggested they stock up on party appetizers like buffalo wings, pizza rolls, and mozzarella sticks, X put his foot down. Instead, they settled on a taco bar and cilantro rolls, a compromise that kept the mood light without overdoing it.
Adding to the tension, X’s parents had to turn down a local news crew that wanted to film inside their home. The interest from the media, including ESPN, was enough to make them give away their AC/DC tickets in Las Vegas and stay home for the draft weekend. X’s pro day was the last on the predraft calendar, attracting more scouts than usual. It was only after X ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and jumped a 41-inch vertical on April 4 that his dad, Shane, decided against a road trip to Vegas during the final rounds of the draft.
As the draft progressed, X found himself wedged into the corner of a gray leather couch, surrounded by family and friends. His dad, Shane, and two high school coaches, Arie and Mike, sat beside him, while his mom, sisters, girlfriend, and former roommate tried to keep the atmosphere light. Despite their efforts, X felt the weight of being the center of attention, especially with people traveling hours to be there for him.
Shane, feeling the nerves, frequently used the excuse of getting another beer to escape to the kitchen. X, however, wasn’t drinking. He had taken an oath in high school with a local charity to abstain from alcohol while underage, a promise he continued to honor at 24. As the draft reached the sixth round, X began to focus more intently, checking the draft order for teams he had spoken with the most. Cincinnati was on the clock at No. 193, their final pick, and the only team he had visited during the predraft process. However, they chose Tahj Brooks, a true running back from Texas Tech.
As the tension in the room grew, Andi, X’s girlfriend, kept glancing at him, waiting for the phone to ring. Dina, overwhelmed by the situation, retreated to her bedroom to pray, hoping for a miracle. Andi joined her, offering reassurance that X would get his shot. Together, they returned to the living room to continue the wait.
X’s attention was on the draft order, noting that Denver had the final pick of the sixth round, while New Orleans and Dallas had multiple seventh-round picks. Washington also had a sixth and a seventh. As the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers made their picks, Shane suddenly turned down the TV volume. Andi, confused, realized Shane was pointing at X, who had his phone to his ear.
“Yeah, thank you, sir,” X said into the phone. “No, I can’t wait.”
He hung up, leaned back on the couch, and laughed nervously. Checking the 527 area code for Las Vegas, he confirmed it was real. He was now the 213th pick of the draft, selected by the Raiders. The room erupted in excitement, with Dina shouting, “Who, Tommy Mellott?” and Shane asking, “Are you a Raider?”
“Yeah, I think so,” Tommy replied. “Well, that’s what they said.”
Tommy Mellott, known as “Touchdown Tommy,” was the mystery Prospect X. An award-winning player from Montana State, Mellott had been overlooked due to his FCS school background and his position as a quarterback, which he wouldn’t play in the NFL. Despite winning the 2024 Walter Payton Award and leading the Bobcats to multiple titles, Mellott’s path to the NFL was anything but certain.
His journey from Butte, Montana, to the NFL was filled with challenges and triumphs. Mellott’s high school coach, Arie Grey, kept him at quarterback because he needed to touch the ball every play. At Montana State, head coach Brent Vigen saw his potential and used him in various roles, eventually leading the team to the FCS playoffs.
Mellott’s story is one of perseverance and determination. Despite the odds, he achieved his goals, including winning the Walter Payton Award and being the best player for his team. His grandpa, Gene Fogarty, was a significant influence, and Mellott believes he’s watching from above as he embarks on his NFL journey.
The Raiders’ interest in Mellott was strategic, with special teams coordinator Tom McMahon seeing him as a versatile player like Julian Edelman or Taysom Hill. The lack of contact from the Raiders was intentional, keeping their interest under wraps. Mellott’s agent, Chris Murray, had spoken to McMahon, who expressed interest in using Mellott for fake punts.
Now, Mellott is ready to prove himself in the NFL. His girlfriend, Andi, has decided to delay medical school to support him, and they’re moving out of their Bozeman home. Mellott is focused on what’s next, eager to contribute to the Raiders and make his mark in the league.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Mellott carries the support of his family, friends, and the entire state of Montana. His journey from Prospect X to an NFL draft pick is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and he’s ready to show the world what he’s capable of.
Originally Written by: Kalyn Kahler
