The Saints just added a new version of Taysom Hill to potentially replicate his success for New Orleans’ offense
A new weapon for Kellen Moore.
The New Orleans Saints remain active on the free agent market. This time, they’re adding a unique weapon for their offense. He will join their practice squad.
Saints sign Tommy Mellott to practice squad
According to Tom Pelissero, the Saints have added former Montana State QB Tommy Mellott to their practice squad. Mellott was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders, but was practicing as a wide receiver. He is also listed as a WR for New Orleans now. He’s an impressive athlete who will remind plenty of Saints fans of Taysom Hill.
Hill was a cornerstone player on offense for the Saints, particularly with Sean Payton at the helm. The utility weapon has remained a piece of the roster since Payton’s departure, too, though. Unfortunately, Hill is still recovering from his torn ACL suffered last season.
With an unknown timetable for Hill’s return, New Orleans picked up Mellott to mimic some of the aspects of Hill’s game that he usually provides for the Saints. Even though Kellen Moore does not have experience coaching Hill, he realizes the impact a dual threat like him can have against opposing defenses. Mellott may not possess Hill’s power, but his speed and athleticism are crystal clear on film from his college days.
Mellott was drafted by the Raiders with the intention of being used as a weapon, similar to Hill, only at the WR position rather than a TE. Mellott had never played WR before this, but actually has pretty good route running and quickness. The former Montana State QB ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at his pro day and finished with around a 41-inch vertical. He’s a pure athlete and can make defenders miss with the ball in his hands. I think the biggest reason he didn’t make the Raiders’ 53-man roster was more so who was ahead of him and how many WRs the Raiders wanted to keep, rather than it being an issue with Mellott. He didn’t actually get a ton of chances to showcase what he can do. But who knows, the former QB played in the return game some in the preseason and training camp, so getting on the field in New Orleans may be a bit easier for him. — Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Raiders beat writer.
I do not see this as a move to “replace” Taysom for New Orleans. He will remain on PUP for now, and the Saints are hopeful for his return later this season. That being said, this is intriguing insurance for the Saints’ offense, which will look for any and every chance to find advantages against defenses.
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