NFL cut-down day delivered tough news for Montana football supporters, as both Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen were released during final roster reductions. The Las Vegas Raiders parted ways with Mellott, a sixth-round pick out of Montana State, while the San Francisco 49ers waived Bergen, their seventh-round selection in April’s NFL Draft.
As teams across the league trimmed their rosters from 90 players down to the regular-season limit of 53, the competition proved fierce. Mellott had been adjusting to a new role with the Raiders, making the switch from quarterback to wide receiver, while Bergen was competing as both a receiver and kick returner with the 49ers. Both rookies also contributed on special teams during training camp and preseason action.
Despite being drafted, neither player earned a place on the final 53-man roster. Meanwhile, a few former Montana State Bobcats — including Bozeman native Will Dissly — secured spots on active rosters. At this time, no former Montana Grizzlies are listed on an NFL team’s active lineup.
Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen were cut primarily because of intense depth chart competition, limited immediate roles, and the NFL’s strict 53-man roster limit — not a lack of talent.
Why Were Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen Cut?
The NFL cuts involving Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen came down to roster math, positional competition, and timing — more than pure ability.
Both rookies entered training camp with potential, but the transition from college standout to NFL contributor is steep. On cutdown day, every team must reduce its roster from 90 players to just 53, leaving little room for long-term development projects.
Depth Chart Competition and Limited Roles
Both players were buried behind veterans on crowded depth charts.
- Mellott was listed as a third-string slot receiver and fourth option in the return game.
- Bergen projected primarily as a situational offensive weapon.
- Coaches favored veterans who could contribute immediately.
- Final roster spots typically go to proven special teams contributors.
Practice reps also tend to favor starters and core rotational players, making it harder for rookies lower on the depth chart to showcase growth.
Position Transitions and Development Timelines
Mellott faced an additional challenge: transitioning from college quarterback to NFL wide receiver. That shift required mastering route-running precision, blocking schemes, coverage reads, and receiver-specific footwork.
Although he flashed athletic ability — including a 42-yard kickoff return in preseason — his receiving production remained minimal. Ultimately, the Raiders determined his development curve didn’t align with their immediate roster needs.
Bergen, meanwhile, had to prove he could carve out a consistent offensive or return role on a roster already stacked with versatile playmakers.
Special Teams as the Tiebreaker
For players on the roster bubble, special teams often determine survival.
Bergen averaged solid return numbers during preseason, but teams evaluate more than yardage. Coaches assess:
- Ball security
- Decision-making
- Blocking execution
- Reliability under pressure
In today’s NFL, versatility is critical. Specialists must either be elite in one role or capable of contributing in multiple phases. Both players showed promise but lacked the multi-role impact required to justify a final roster spot.
How the NFL Cut-Down Process Works
Every preseason ends with one of the most difficult days in professional football.
From 90 Players to 53
All 32 NFL teams begin camp with up to 90 players. By the cutdown deadline, they must trim that number to 53 active roster spots. That means 37 players per team are released or waived.
Beyond the 53-man roster, teams can keep 16 practice squad players (17 with an international exemption). However, only 48 players dress on game day.
Waived vs. Released
The difference depends on experience:
- Waived: Players with fewer than four accrued seasons enter the waiver system.
- Released: Veterans with four or more accrued seasons become immediate free agents.
Since Mellott and Bergen were rookies, they were subject to waivers after being cut.
Waiver priority follows draft order early in the season, meaning teams higher in priority can claim young players first.
Strategic Roster Decisions
Final roster spots often go to:
- Core special teams contributors
- Versatile backups
- Players who provide salary cap flexibility
In many cases, the final five roster decisions are more about team construction than individual performance.
What Options Remain for Cut Players?
Being waived is not the end of the road. Many NFL careers have started with an early setback.
Practice Squad Opportunities
Each NFL team maintains a 16-player practice squad. Benefits include:
- Weekly salaries for young players
- Continued development in an NFL system
- Eligibility for elevation to the active roster (up to three games before requiring a full roster move)
This route allows players to stay close to the league while refining their skills.
Alternative Professional Leagues
Players may also pursue opportunities in:
- The Canadian Football League (CFL)
- The United Football League (UFL), formed from the USFL-XFL merger
Both leagues offer competitive playing time and have served as pathways back to the NFL.
Mid-Season Injury Replacements
Injuries frequently open doors during the regular season. Teams often sign players familiar with their system first — making practice squad retention valuable.
Staying in shape, attending workouts, and remaining available can quickly turn a setback into a second chance.
What This Means for Future Montana NFL Hopefuls
The journeys of Mellott and Bergen reflect the reality facing small-school prospects.
Lessons for FCS Athletes
Players from programs like Montana State must:
- Dominate lower-level competition
- Display elite, transferable traits
- Show positional flexibility
- Prove immediate special teams value
Scouts often evaluate small-school prospects on ceiling and adaptability as much as production.
Mental Toughness and Adaptability
Transitioning to the NFL requires resilience. Setbacks are common. Players who separate themselves mentally — maintaining confidence while embracing development — often find their breakthrough later.
Preparation at Montana State
Programs like Montana State emphasize versatility and competitiveness, preparing players to adapt at higher levels. While not every player secures a long-term NFL role immediately, the foundation built at the FCS level remains strong.
Conclusion
The NFL cuts of Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen were difficult but not definitive. Their releases reflect roster structure, depth chart competition, and timing — not a lack of potential.
With practice squad opportunities, alternative leagues, and mid-season openings always emerging, their professional journeys may still be unfolding. Many NFL veterans once faced similar cutdown days before eventually finding the right opportunity.
In professional football, sometimes the first setback is just the beginning of the real story.
FAQs
Q1. Why were Mellott and Bergen cut despite being drafted?
Because roster spots are limited to 53 players, and both faced heavy competition at their positions. Teams prioritized immediate contributors and versatile veterans.
Q2. Can they return to the NFL this season?
Yes. If they clear waivers or join a practice squad, they can be elevated or signed later — especially if injuries create openings.
Q3. What is the difference between being waived and released?
Rookies and players with fewer than four accrued seasons are waived and subject to claims. Veterans are released and become free agents immediately.
Q4. How important is special teams in roster decisions?
Extremely important. Final roster spots often go to players who can consistently contribute on special teams units.
Q5. Is this the end of their NFL careers?
Not necessarily. Many successful players were cut early in their careers before eventually securing long-term roles.
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