Tommy to the Raiders

[SparkCat]

Spytek is just intimidated that Tommy would have ran circles around his Rudy ass college career.

[CatBlitz]

Trash organization

[Cats and Dogs]

Just read he's working out with a couple other teams today. No idea if that's true though. Also heard the CFL may still be a thing. Time will tell I guess.

Where did you read that?

It was a Raiders group on Facebook, a couple people commented that. No idea if it's true.

I hope he keeps his focus on the NFL! Might take a couple years but imo he has very good upside, unless he just can't make figure out the slot position. I think he will!

[SCVBobcat]

Just read he's working out with a couple other teams today. No idea if that's true though. Also heard the CFL may still be a thing. Time will tell I guess.

Where did you read that?

It was a Raiders group on Facebook, a couple people commented that. No idea if it's true.

I hope he keeps his focus on the NFL! Might take a couple years but imo he has very good upside, unless he just can't make figure out the slot position. I think he will!

CFL training camps start in May. Tommy has all season, through the slew of NFL injuries, to catch on with an NFL practice squad. If that doesn't happen, and if he still has a fire in his belly to play football, then my vote would be for him to work with the best QB trainer he can and see if he can still play QB for Calgary. And I know that there are those who say he can never play QB in the NFL, but never say never. No one here can say for sure that Tommy will not continue to improve his accuracy and passing technique. We know it wouldn't be through lack of effort, and he was showing improvement from year to year, right? And I'm not saying NFL QB1, but maybe a team would eventually see him as a viable backup / role player.

[CatBlitz]

Just read he's working out with a couple other teams today. No idea if that's true though. Also heard the CFL may still be a thing. Time will tell I guess.

Where did you read that?

It was a Raiders group on Facebook, a couple people commented that. No idea if it's true.

I hope he keeps his focus on the NFL! Might take a couple years but imo he has very good upside, unless he just can't make figure out the slot position. I think he will!

CFL training camps start in May. Tommy has all season, through the slew of NFL injuries, to catch on with an NFL practice squad. If that doesn't happen, and if he still has a fire in his belly to play football, then my vote would be for him to work with the best QB trainer he can and see if he can still play QB for Calgary. And I know that there are those who say he can never play QB in the NFL, but never say never. No one here can say for sure that Tommy will not continue to improve his accuracy and passing technique. We know it wouldn't be through lack of effort, and he was showing improvement from year to year, right? And I'm not saying NFL QB1, but maybe a team would eventually see him as a viable backup / role player.

If Tommy succeeds in the NFL, it won't be at QB.

[SparkCat]

Just read he's working out with a couple other teams today. No idea if that's true though. Also heard the CFL may still be a thing. Time will tell I guess.

Where did you read that?

It was a Raiders group on Facebook, a couple people commented that. No idea if it's true.

I hope he keeps his focus on the NFL! Might take a couple years but imo he has very good upside, unless he just can't make figure out the slot position. I think he will!

CFL training camps start in May. Tommy has all season, through the slew of NFL injuries, to catch on with an NFL practice squad. If that doesn't happen, and if he still has a fire in his belly to play football, then my vote would be for him to work with the best QB trainer he can and see if he can still play QB for Calgary. And I know that there are those who say he can never play QB in the NFL, but never say never. No one here can say for sure that Tommy will not continue to improve his accuracy and passing technique. We know it wouldn't be through lack of effort, and he was showing improvement from year to year, right? And I'm not saying NFL QB1, but maybe a team would eventually see him as a viable backup / role player.

If Tommy succeeds in the NFL, it won't be at QB.

Agreed, although I’m pretty sure Tommy would have matched Cam’s play against the 49ers and Cardinals at QB

[SCVBobcat]

Just read he's working out with a couple other teams today. No idea if that's true though. Also heard the CFL may still be a thing. Time will tell I guess.

Where did you read that?

It was a Raiders group on Facebook, a couple people commented that. No idea if it's true.

I hope he keeps his focus on the NFL! Might take a couple years but imo he has very good upside, unless he just can't make figure out the slot position. I think he will!

CFL training camps start in May. Tommy has all season, through the slew of NFL injuries, to catch on with an NFL practice squad. If that doesn't happen, and if he still has a fire in his belly to play football, then my vote would be for him to work with the best QB trainer he can and see if he can still play QB for Calgary. And I know that there are those who say he can never play QB in the NFL, but never say never. No one here can say for sure that Tommy will not continue to improve his accuracy and passing technique. We know it wouldn't be through lack of effort, and he was showing improvement from year to year, right? And I'm not saying NFL QB1, but maybe a team would eventually see him as a viable backup / role player.

If Tommy succeeds in the NFL, it won't be at QB.

It sounds like short-yardage QB's are a thing in the CFL. Tommy could do well in that role while he works on improving his arm. As a selfish fan, I just want to see Tommy scoring TD's again as soon as possible

The interesting thing to me is the sh*tshow that is many NFL teams' backup QB situation. Guys with "NFL arms" that fans cringe about. I guess the idea is that the backup has to have the arm to run the main offense. Makes sense. But imagine your QB 1 goes down, and your QB 2 is one of the several NFL backup QB's who mean a lost season, despite their "NFL arm". Would there be any room for a niche QB 3 who would have a package of plays to make it harder on the D and rotate with said mediocre QB 2? Probably just dreaming. Doesn't matter. Dave Dickenson has him listed at QB on the Calgary negotiation list, and that intrigues me. I have no idea how Tommy views it.

[CatBlitz]

Just read he's working out with a couple other teams today. No idea if that's true though. Also heard the CFL may still be a thing. Time will tell I guess.

Where did you read that?

It was a Raiders group on Facebook, a couple people commented that. No idea if it's true.

I hope he keeps his focus on the NFL! Might take a couple years but imo he has very good upside, unless he just can't make figure out the slot position. I think he will!

CFL training camps start in May. Tommy has all season, through the slew of NFL injuries, to catch on with an NFL practice squad. If that doesn't happen, and if he still has a fire in his belly to play football, then my vote would be for him to work with the best QB trainer he can and see if he can still play QB for Calgary. And I know that there are those who say he can never play QB in the NFL, but never say never. No one here can say for sure that Tommy will not continue to improve his accuracy and passing technique. We know it wouldn't be through lack of effort, and he was showing improvement from year to year, right? And I'm not saying NFL QB1, but maybe a team would eventually see him as a viable backup / role player.

If Tommy succeeds in the NFL, it won't be at QB.

It sounds like short-yardage QB's are a thing in the CFL. Tommy could do well in that role while he works on improving his arm. As a selfish fan, I just want to see Tommy scoring TD's again as soon as possible

The interesting thing to me is the sh*tshow that is many NFL teams' backup QB situation. Guys with "NFL arms" that fans cringe about. I guess the idea is that the backup has to have the arm to run the main offense. Makes sense. But imagine your QB 1 goes down, and your QB 2 is one of the several NFL backup QB's who mean a lost season, despite their "NFL arm". Would there be any room for a niche QB 3 who would have a package of plays to make it harder on the D and rotate with said mediocre QB 2? Probably just dreaming. Doesn't matter. Dave Dickenson has him listed at QB on the Calgary negotiation list, and that intrigues me. I have no idea how Tommy views it.

Interesting scenarios for sure. Depends on the schemes, etc... But I could see him in that kind of role.

[PapaG]

Trash organization

They drafted him and gave him a signing bonus. 31 other teams so far have also passed on signing Tommy to either their rosters or practice squads. Does that make them all “trash?”

We as fans didn’t see what the coaches see every day. Kind of hard for me to call the team that gave Tommy a shot “trash.” Maybe he needs to go to the CFL and learn to play WR there? There are dozens of great FCS players in the last two decades who never made an NFL roster or practice squad because it’s difficult to do, and especially when you’re drafted into a position you’ve never played before in your life.

[SCVBobcat]

Trash organization

They drafted him and gave him a signing bonus. 31 other teams so far have also passed on signing Tommy to either their rosters or practice squads. Does that make them all “trash?”

We as fans didn’t see what the coaches see every day. Kind of hard for me to call the team that gave Tommy a shot “trash.” Maybe he needs to go to the CFL and learn to play WR there? There are dozens of great FCS players in the last two decades who never made an NFL roster or practice squad because it’s difficult to do, and especially when you’re drafted into a position you’ve never played before in your life.

Tommy had bad luck though with the scouting director being high on him, but the coaching staff not in the mood or right situation to develop him. This staff cut back his receiving reps early, during OTA's - it's on YouTube in the footage of drills. I think if another team had drafted him or even signed him as a FA, it could have increased his chances of at least getting on that team's practice squad. Sometimes certain coaches don't see potential in certain players. I'm sure it happens in the NFL just like it does at every level. We'll never know. I know Tommy is a very spiritual guy, and I'd hope that he's considering how this could be a sign to take another door that is open now or will open soon.

[nanacat]

Trash organization

They drafted him and gave him a signing bonus. 31 other teams so far have also passed on signing Tommy to either their rosters or practice squads. Does that make them all “trash?”

We as fans didn’t see what the coaches see every day. Kind of hard for me to call the team that gave Tommy a shot “trash.” Maybe he needs to go to the CFL and learn to play WR there? There are dozens of great FCS players in the last two decades who never made an NFL roster or practice squad because it’s difficult to do, and especially when you’re drafted into a position you’ve never played before in your life.

Tommy had bad luck though with the scouting director being high on him, but the coaching staff not in the mood or right situation to develop him. This staff cut back his receiving reps early, during OTA's - it's on YouTube in the footage of drills. I think if another team had drafted him or even signed him as a FA, it could have increased his chances of at least getting on that team's practice squad. Sometimes certain coaches don't see potential in certain players. I'm sure it happens in the NFL just like it does at every level. We'll never know. I know Tommy is a very spiritual guy, and I'd hope that he's considering how this could be a sign to take another door that is open now or will open soon.

Well, all in all, it just sucks that Tommy got hardly any opportunity. Seems pointless now that he got drafted, I mean why? I'm sure, like you said, he's looking for God's will and direction and that's what he needs to do. Not sure if he'll keep trying for the NFL, go CFL, or take his financial engineering degree and go find a job, marry his sweetie and move onto the next thing. I sure wish him all the best though. Really bummed for him, had real high hopes he'd continue his football success at the next level.

[CatBlitz]

Trash organization

They drafted him and gave him a signing bonus. 31 other teams so far have also passed on signing Tommy to either their rosters or practice squads. Does that make them all “trash?”

We as fans didn’t see what the coaches see every day. Kind of hard for me to call the team that gave Tommy a shot “trash.” Maybe he needs to go to the CFL and learn to play WR there? There are dozens of great FCS players in the last two decades who never made an NFL roster or practice squad because it’s difficult to do, and especially when you’re drafted into a position you’ve never played before in your life.

No.

But. Year after year, however, they continue to prove they aren't a serious organization.
They continually make baffling decisions with their roster. Play calling. Contracts.
Until that ****** changes, I'm not taking them seriously in much.

[grizzh8r]

Trash organization

They drafted him and gave him a signing bonus. 31 other teams so far have also passed on signing Tommy to either their rosters or practice squads. Does that make them all “trash?”

We as fans didn’t see what the coaches see every day. Kind of hard for me to call the team that gave Tommy a shot “trash.” Maybe he needs to go to the CFL and learn to play WR there? There are dozens of great FCS players in the last two decades who never made an NFL roster or practice squad because it’s difficult to do, and especially when you’re drafted into a position you’ve never played before in your life.

No.

But. Year after year, however, they continue to prove they aren't a serious organization.
They continually make baffling decisions with their roster. Play calling. Contracts.
Until that ****** changes, I'm not taking them seriously in much.

Yep. They've been basically irrelevant as an organization for nearly a quarter century.

The only team to have a longer playoff win drought is Miami... Doesn't get much more bottom of the barrel that that. Highly disfunctional.

[TomCat88]

Trash organization

They drafted him and gave him a signing bonus. 31 other teams so far have also passed on signing Tommy to either their rosters or practice squads. Does that make them all “trash?”

We as fans didn’t see what the coaches see every day. Kind of hard for me to call the team that gave Tommy a shot “trash.” Maybe he needs to go to the CFL and learn to play WR there? There are dozens of great FCS players in the last two decades who never made an NFL roster or practice squad because it’s difficult to do, and especially when you’re drafted into a position you’ve never played before in your life.

No.

But. Year after year, however, they continue to prove they aren't a serious organization.
They continually make baffling decisions with their roster. Play calling. Contracts.
Until that ****** changes, I'm not taking them seriously in much.

Yep. They've been basically irrelevant as an organization for nearly a quarter century.

The only team to have a longer playoff win drought is Miami... Doesn't get much more bottom of the barrel that that. Highly disfunctional.

The Raiders are currently in fourth place in losses since 2000. They should jump into third place at some point this season as they only trail Detroit by one.

[GoldstoneCat]

There are not that many guys that jump from FCS to active NFL rosters right away. Troy obviously did, but he's a freak and was not learning a new position. Thinking of singleton, Daniel hardy, Okada, pretty sure Mike person was a practice squad guy for awhile. To name a few. Tommy looks to have a winding road ahead if he wants to make football a career but we all know he's capable.

[TomCat88]

There are not that many guys that jump from FCS to active NFL rosters right away. Troy obviously did, but he's a freak and was not learning a new position. Thinking of singleton, Daniel hardy, Okada, pretty sure Mike person was a practice squad guy for awhile. To name a few. Tommy looks to have a winding road ahead if he wants to make football a career but we all know he's capable.

Great point. I would add that very few FCS and lower players have left a big mark on the NFL. Most are backups and special teams players. I just looked at the list of the top 20 FCS players to play in the Pro Bowl and I only recognized about the half the names. One was Randy Moss, who actually only played one year in the FCS. Jan Stenerud is the only MSU player I can think of that made the Pro Bowl. I'm not sure if any Griz players have. Maybe Scott Gragg? Bierman? Stenerud, Kupp and Jared Allen are probably the most prominent NFL players out of the Big Sky. Roos? Singleton is making a push.

Could totally be spacing someone out but my point is that it's hard to make the NFL and if you do, you're probably not going to be a household name even among people who follow the FCS. Most players are in the Colt Anderson, Daniel Hardy, Jordan Tripp, Ty Okada mold...players that have to survive the cut year in and year out. Mellott, should he ever make it, would probably be in that group, which is really about the most you can hope for. Busting through to the top of the league is super rare. When you are that good, you still have to avoid getting sidetracked by injuries, like Andersen.

[tdub]

There are not that many guys that jump from FCS to active NFL rosters right away. Troy obviously did, but he's a freak and was not learning a new position. Thinking of singleton, Daniel hardy, Okada, pretty sure Mike person was a practice squad guy for awhile. To name a few. Tommy looks to have a winding road ahead if he wants to make football a career but we all know he's capable.

Great point. I would add that very few FCS and lower players have left a big mark on the NFL. Most are backups and special teams players. I just looked at the list of the top 20 FCS players to play in the Pro Bowl and I only recognized about the half the names. One was Randy Moss, who actually only played one year in the FCS. Jan Stenerud is the only MSU player I can think of that made the Pro Bowl. I'm not sure if any Griz players have. Maybe Scott Gragg? Bierman? Stenerud, Kupp and Jared Allen are probably the most prominent NFL players out of the Big Sky. Roos? Singleton is making a push.

Could totally be spacing someone out but my point is that it's hard to make the NFL and if you do, you're probably not going to be a household name even among people who follow the FCS. Most players are in the Colt Anderson, Daniel Hardy, Jordan Tripp, Ty Okada mold...players that have to survive the cut year in and year out. Mellott, should he ever make it, would probably be in that group, which is really about the most you can hope for. Busting through to the top of the league is super rare. When you are that good, you still have to avoid getting sidetracked by injuries, like Andersen.

Mariani was a Pro-Bowler from UM

[MSUBobcat04]

Trash organization

They drafted him and gave him a signing bonus. 31 other teams so far have also passed on signing Tommy to either their rosters or practice squads. Does that make them all “trash?”

We as fans didn’t see what the coaches see every day. Kind of hard for me to call the team that gave Tommy a shot “trash.” Maybe he needs to go to the CFL and learn to play WR there? There are dozens of great FCS players in the last two decades who never made an NFL roster or practice squad because it’s difficult to do, and especially when you’re drafted into a position you’ve never played before in your life.

I don't think the Raiders are a trash organization because they declined to keep Tommy. I think they're a trash organization because they've made the playoffs 2 times since 2002 and lost both times. Every year is a rebuilding year for them (the win total over/under for them this year is 6.5, so another year of futility is expected).

Edit: should have read subsequent posts, as they made the same point I am.

[technoCat]

There are not that many guys that jump from FCS to active NFL rosters right away. Troy obviously did, but he's a freak and was not learning a new position. Thinking of singleton, Daniel hardy, Okada, pretty sure Mike person was a practice squad guy for awhile. To name a few. Tommy looks to have a winding road ahead if he wants to make football a career but we all know he's capable.

Great point. I would add that very few FCS and lower players have left a big mark on the NFL. Most are backups and special teams players. I just looked at the list of the top 20 FCS players to play in the Pro Bowl and I only recognized about the half the names. One was Randy Moss, who actually only played one year in the FCS. Jan Stenerud is the only MSU player I can think of that made the Pro Bowl. I'm not sure if any Griz players have. Maybe Scott Gragg? Bierman? Stenerud, Kupp and Jared Allen are probably the most prominent NFL players out of the Big Sky. Roos? Singleton is making a push.

Could totally be spacing someone out but my point is that it's hard to make the NFL and if you do, you're probably not going to be a household name even among people who follow the FCS. Most players are in the Colt Anderson, Daniel Hardy, Jordan Tripp, Ty Okada mold...players that have to survive the cut year in and year out. Mellott, should he ever make it, would probably be in that group, which is really about the most you can hope for. Busting through to the top of the league is super rare. When you are that good, you still have to avoid getting sidetracked by injuries, like Andersen.

Mariani was a Pro-Bowler from UM

Just because I randomly saw an old video with him in it and thought of this post but wanted to mention Vincent Jackson.

[GoldstoneCat]

There are not that many guys that jump from FCS to active NFL rosters right away. Troy obviously did, but he's a freak and was not learning a new position. Thinking of singleton, Daniel hardy, Okada, pretty sure Mike person was a practice squad guy for awhile. To name a few. Tommy looks to have a winding road ahead if he wants to make football a career but we all know he's capable.

Great point. I would add that very few FCS and lower players have left a big mark on the NFL. Most are backups and special teams players. I just looked at the list of the top 20 FCS players to play in the Pro Bowl and I only recognized about the half the names. One was Randy Moss, who actually only played one year in the FCS. Jan Stenerud is the only MSU player I can think of that made the Pro Bowl. I'm not sure if any Griz players have. Maybe Scott Gragg? Bierman? Stenerud, Kupp and Jared Allen are probably the most prominent NFL players out of the Big Sky. Roos? Singleton is making a push.

Could totally be spacing someone out but my point is that it's hard to make the NFL and if you do, you're probably not going to be a household name even among people who follow the FCS. Most players are in the Colt Anderson, Daniel Hardy, Jordan Tripp, Ty Okada mold...players that have to survive the cut year in and year out. Mellott, should he ever make it, would probably be in that group, which is really about the most you can hope for. Busting through to the top of the league is super rare. When you are that good, you still have to avoid getting sidetracked by injuries, like Andersen.

Such a good way to put it. Partially i think, especially at this level where guys feel so accessible to us as fans, we fall in love with these kids as they dominate at this level, but tend to forget A) how small the NFL really is. 2100 guys, give or take, btw rosters and practice squads. There are nearly that many rostered players in the SEC alone these days. B) the difference between the median FCS player and the median P4 player. It takes a special athlete from this level to match up at the level of athleticism and size the nfl wants. Not saying it can't happen, bc obviously it does, but it's really hard, especially for a guy who's trying to learn a new position and is undersized.