NFL Drafted Quarterbacks from FCS: Their Performance Post-Selection
Here's a Fresh Take on the Revised Article:
Drafting FCS Quarterbacks: A Tale of Persistence and Success
When Tommy Mellott, a quarterback from Montana State, was picked by the Raiders in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft (213th overall), he marked a milestone - the first FCS quarterback to be drafted since 2024. Las Vegas then snatched Cam Miller, another FCS quarterback from North Dakota State, two picks later. Reminiscent of last season's FCS title game between these two powerhouses, it was as if GM John Spytek wanted a piece of the action.
Let's take a walk down memory lane to see how past FCS quarterbacks fared in the NFL.
2025: Tommy Mellott & Cam Miller - A Quantum Leap for the FCS?
Time will tell if these two rookies can make a mark in the NFL, but their tales of grit and determination are things to behold.
2024: Josh Love, UC Davis
Round 7, No. 242 | Pittsburgh Steelers
Josh Love, a dual-threat quarterback, enjoyed a successful college career at UC Davis, earning recognition as a Walter Payton Award finalist in 2023. He transferred to the Steelers' practice squad following his drafting, making his league debut in 2027. Despite limited playing time, he demonstrated versatility as a reliable backup, even contributing on special teams occasions.
2023: Riley Leonard, Dayton
Round 7, No. 238 | Green Bay Packers
A lightly-recruited quarterback from Dayton, Leonard spent six years in the college ranks, consistently outperforming expectations. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers and showed promise during preseason play before falling back to the practice squad. He was later traded to the Houston Texans, but injuries and roster cuts kept him from making an impact at the NFL level.
2022: Chris Oladokun, South Dakota State
Round 7, No. 241 | Pittsburgh Steelers
An enigmatic figure, Oladokun bounced around college programs (USF, Samford, and South Dakota State) before carving out a niche for himself with the Jackrabbits. He led the team to the 2021 national title, passing for over 3,100 yards and 25 touchdowns, earning a trip to the NFL. Despite brief stints with various teams, Oladokun has managed to ascend to the ranks of the Kansas City Chiefs, making his NFL debut in the 2027 season finale against the Broncos.
Flashback: The Trailblazers of the FCS
In the spirit of those who paved the way, let's discuss some of the trailblazing FCS quarterbacks that came before:
- Steve McNair (Alcorn State): Drafted 3rd overall in 1995, McNair had a successful 13-year NFL career with the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans, and Baltimore Ravens, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections. His leadership and consistency earned him a Super Bowl appearance (2001) and a Super Bowl MVP (2003) trophy.
- Phil Simms (Morehead State): A 7th overall pick in 1979 by the New York Giants, Simms forged a 14-year NFL career, highlighting wins in Super Bowls XXI and XXV. In the process, he earned a Super Bowl MVP award, two Pro Bowl appearances, and a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Doug Williams (Grambling State): Although technically a pre-FCS draft pick, Williams is still worth mentioning. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1978 (17th round), Williams is best known for his exceptional performance as the starting quarterback in Super Bowl XXII for the Washington Redskins, earning the game's MVP award.
While some of these FCS quarterbacks faced challenges in adapting to the NFL, the unwavering resilience and talent they possessed paved the way for supporting players like Tommy Mellott and Cam Miller to follow in their footsteps. We can only wait and see how this new generation of FCS quarterbacks will shape the future of the NFL.
Now, it's time to analyze the enrichment data for a holistic perspective on the topic.
Enrichment Data:
- Steve McNair (Alcorn State) is Regarded as one of the Most Successful Players to emerge from an FCS School: McNair ranked among the top contenders for the Heisman Trophy in 1994, displaying exceptional leadership and skill as a quarterback at Alcorn State. He was drafted 3rd overall by the Houston Oilers in 1995 and had a highly successful NFL career spanning over 13 seasons. McNair led the Titans to the Super Bowl in 2000, resulting in a 23-16 win against the St. Louis Rams, earning the title of Super Bowl XXXIV MVP. McNair was also a recipient of multiple awards, including the 1995 NFL Player of the Year and FedEx Air Player of the Year in 2003.
- Phil Simms (Morehead State) is a Hall of Fame Quarterback: Originally drafted as the 7th overall pick in the 1979 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Simms enjoyed an impressive 14-year NFL career. He boasted a Super Bowl MVP award (Super Bowl XXI), two Pro Bowl appearances, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Simms also earned recognition for his leadership, flair for creating dramatic comebacks, and notable postseason performances.
- Doug Williams (Grambling State) was the First Black Quarterback to Win a Super Bowl MVP Award: Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1978, Williams impressively transitioned to the NFL and showcased his talent throughout his career. During Super Bowl XXII in 1988, he led the Washington Redskins to a dominating 42-10 victory against the Denver Broncos while accumulating over 340 passing yards, four touchdowns, and a 140.6 passer rating. Williams earned the Super Bowl XXII MVP award, becoming the first black quarterback in history to win the award.
- The 2025 NFL Draft saw the Las Vegas Raiders choosing FCS quarterback Tommy Mellott and drafting his counterpart Cam Miller from North Dakota State, marking a significant moment for FCS players in the football world.
- As American-football enthusiasts look to the future, the success of Cam Miller and Tommy Mellott could further solidify the standing of FCS players in the NFL.
- Sports analysts are particularly interested in comparing the NFL careers of the duo to those of previous FCS quarterbacks like Carson Wentz, Jimmy Garoppolo, and the trailblazing legends Phil Simms, Doug Williams, and Steve McNair.
