Bengals host pre-draft visit for FCS quarterback who's likely to change positions entirely for his NFL career
The Cincinnati Bengals are set at quarterback. Joe Burrow starting in front of backup Jake Browning is an extremely well put together two-deep group at the position.Another QB is unlikely to join the group on the 53-man roster this season, but that didn't stop Cincinnati from taking a closer look at one of the best […]
The Cincinnati Bengals are set at quarterback. Joe Burrow starting in front of backup Jake Browning is an extremely well put together two-deep group at the position.
Another QB is unlikely to join the group on the 53-man roster this season, but that didn't stop Cincinnati from taking a closer look at one of the best passers from the FCS level this past year.
And he may not even be a QB in the NFL.
Bengals host pre-draft visit for Montana State QB Tommy Mellott
Mellott took over as Montana State's quarterback late in his redshirt freshman year in 2021, becoming the first QB in program history to make his first start in a playoff game. He would keep the starting gig for the next three years and close out his career with the second-most QB wins (33), fifth-most passing yards (5,810) and touchdowns (53) while becoming the first Bobcat to win the Walter Payton FCS Offensive Player of the Year in 2024.
But that's just who he was throwing the football. He did just as much with the ball in his hands.
Mellott rushed for 3,639 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns on 487 career carries (including postseason), putting him second in all-time rushing for the school. And at 6-0 and 205 pounds, keeping the ball in his hand appears to be what the NFL has in mind for him.
Mellott projects as more than a QB in the NFL, especially for the Bengals
NFL Media's Tom Pelissero reports that the Mellott visited the Bengals Tuesday, and the former multi-dimensional QB has worked out as a wide receiver and punt returner for teams at his pro day.
Mellott was timed at 4.39 when running the 40-yard dash at his pro day, further validating the idea of him transitioning to a skill position in the NFL.
If the Bengals were to sign Mellott as an undrafted free agent, they would very likely have him practice at those two positions instead of joining Burrow and Browning in the pocket. Burrow and Browning operating with similarities, and the team would add someone who fits their shared mold better than Mellott.
Drafting a wideout is unlikely to be in the cards for Cincinnati with just six picks. Mellott would be an ideal free agent to sign after the draft, and by meeting with him a week ahead of time, there's now a relationship in place to get a deal done right after the draft.
And if they were to need another body at QB, well, he has that experience as well.
Bengals 2025 Pre-Draft Visits: Tracking all the players Cincinnati is meeting with with leading up to the NFL Draft
A complete list of players visiting Cincinnati leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
