NFL cut-down day brought disappointing news for Montana football fans, as both Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen were let go during final roster trims. The Las Vegas Raiders released Mellott, a sixth-round selection from Montana State, while the San Francisco 49ers waived Bergen, their seventh-round pick in April’s draft.
As teams across the league reduced rosters from 90 players to the regular-season limit of 53, competition intensified. Mellott had been working to transition from quarterback to wide receiver with the Raiders, while Bergen was vying for a role as both a receiver and kick returner in San Francisco. During camp and preseason games, both rookies also logged snaps on special teams.
Despite being draft selections, neither secured a place on the final 53-man roster. Meanwhile, several former Montana State Bobcats — including Bozeman native Will Dissly — earned active roster spots. At present, no former Montana Grizzlies appear on an NFL active roster.
Why Were Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen Released?
Their departures were driven more by roster structure and competition than by talent concerns.
Each summer, NFL teams must trim from 90 players down to 53. That reality leaves little margin for developmental prospects. While both rookies showed promise, the leap from college standout to reliable NFL contributor is significant.
Heavy Competition and Limited Opportunities
Both players found themselves low on crowded depth charts.
- Mellott entered camp as a depth slot receiver and secondary return option.
- Bergen projected mainly as a situational offensive piece.
- Coaching staffs leaned toward veterans capable of making immediate impacts.
- Final roster spots often favor established special teams contributors.
With practice repetitions largely going to starters and core backups, it becomes challenging for lower-depth rookies to demonstrate rapid improvement.
Position Changes and Development Curve
Mellott faced an added hurdle: learning a new position at the professional level. Moving from quarterback in college to wide receiver in the NFL requires mastering route precision, blocking techniques, defensive coverage recognition, and specialized footwork.
Although he displayed athletic flashes — including a notable preseason kickoff return — his receiving output remained limited. Ultimately, the Raiders prioritized players who fit their short-term needs.
Bergen, meanwhile, needed to secure a defined role on a roster filled with versatile offensive weapons. Without a standout specialty or clear multi-phase impact, his margin for error was small.
Special Teams as a Deciding Factor
For players on the roster bubble, special teams contributions often determine outcomes.
While Bergen posted respectable preseason return numbers, evaluation extends beyond yardage totals. Coaches assess:
- Ball security
- On-field decision-making
- Blocking discipline
- Composure under pressure
In today’s NFL, versatility is essential. Players must either excel in one defined role or provide value across multiple units. Both rookies showed potential but didn’t demonstrate the all-around impact necessary to secure a final roster spot.
Understanding the NFL Cut-Down Process
Roster reduction day is among the toughest moments in professional football.
From 90 to 53
All 32 teams begin training camp with up to 90 players. By the deadline, that number must drop to 53 active roster spots — meaning 37 players per team are waived or released.
Beyond that, organizations can carry 16 practice squad players (17 with an international exemption). However, only 48 players are eligible to dress on game day.
Waived vs. Released
The distinction depends on experience:
- Waived: Players with fewer than four accrued seasons enter the waiver system.
- Released: Veterans with four or more seasons become free agents immediately.
As rookies, Mellott and Bergen were subject to waivers. Early in the season, waiver priority follows draft order, giving higher-priority teams the first opportunity to claim young talent.
Strategic Decision-Making
The final roster spots frequently go to:
- Core special teams performers
- Versatile depth players
- Individuals who offer salary cap flexibility
Often, the last few decisions revolve around overall team construction rather than individual statistics.
What Comes Next?
Being waived does not signal the end of an NFL career. Many players use early setbacks as stepping stones.
Practice Squad Path
Each franchise maintains a 16-player practice squad, which offers:
- Weekly compensation
- Continued development within an NFL system
- Eligibility for elevation to the active roster (up to three games before requiring a permanent move)
Remaining on a practice squad keeps players close to opportunity.
Other Professional Options
Players may also explore:
- The Canadian Football League (CFL)
- The United Football League (UFL), created through the USFL–XFL merger
Both leagues provide valuable playing time and have historically served as pipelines back to the NFL.
Midseason Opportunities
Injuries inevitably create openings throughout the regular season. Teams often look to familiar players who understand their systems, making preparedness and availability critical.
Implications for Future Montana Prospects
The experiences of Mellott and Bergen highlight the challenges facing small-school athletes.
Keys for FCS Players
Prospects from programs like Montana State must:
- Dominate at their level
- Demonstrate elite, transferable traits
- Show positional adaptability
- Deliver consistent special teams value
Scouts frequently evaluate ceiling and versatility as heavily as college production.
Resilience Matters
The transition to the NFL demands mental toughness. Early setbacks are common, and perseverance often separates long-term success stories from short-lived careers.
Programs such as Montana State emphasize competitiveness and versatility — traits that help players adjust to higher levels. While immediate roster security isn’t guaranteed, foundational development remains strong.
Final Thoughts
The roster cuts involving Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen reflect the unforgiving math of the NFL rather than a lack of ability. Depth chart dynamics, roster construction, and timing ultimately shaped the outcome.
With practice squad possibilities, alternative leagues, and in-season opportunities still available, their professional paths remain open. In many cases, a difficult cut-down day becomes the starting point of a longer, more resilient journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why were Mellott and Bergen released despite being drafted?
Roster limits allow only 53 active players, and both faced intense competition. Teams prioritized veterans and immediate contributors.
Q2. Could they return to the NFL this season?
Yes. Clearing waivers or joining a practice squad keeps the door open for elevation or midseason signings.
Q3. What’s the difference between being waived and released?
Players with fewer than four accrued seasons are waived and subject to claims. Veterans are released and become free agents immediately.
Q4. How critical is special teams in roster decisions?
Extremely important. Many final roster spots are awarded based on special teams reliability and versatility.
Q5. Does this end their NFL careers?
Not at all. Numerous players were cut early in their careers before eventually establishing lasting roles in the league.
