Unsigned rookie poised to secure a spot on the Raiders' 2025 squad
Rewritten Article:
The Las Vegas Raiders aren't stopping at just 11 rookies from the 2025 NFL Draft. Ashton Jeanty might be the star, but expect a surprise from the undrafted boys. Pete Carroll, known for his undrafted talent finds, could find another gem like Doug Baldwin, who shone under him when both were with the Seattle Seahawks, even winning a Super Bowl together.
Keep an eye on Sincere McCormick, who took on the starting running back duties in December 2024.
The Raiders added 16 more rookies to their roster, but one stands out with a strong chance of making the 2025 team.
The UDFA to Watch
The Raiders snatched an intriguing cornerback, Mello Dotson of Kansas, who's primed to climb up the active roster.
Dotson, a Jayhawks defender, brings length and valuable experience to Sin City. Kansas trusted him to play both man and zone coverage, earning him Third Team All-American honors. Dotson impressively took two interceptions to the end zone last season, scoring two defensive touchdowns in 2023, including the first one against Oklahoma during Big 12 play.
He defended a combined 18 passes over the last two seasons and demonstrates a keen understanding of the football. His versatility makes him an appealing choice for defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
Dotson's Slip in the Draft
Despite impressive coverage skills and stats, Dotson surprisingly didn’t get drafted. No one from picks 1 to 257 managed to pick him up. Was Dotson well-regarded in the drafts boards, or were his grades questionable?
Field Yates makes a bold prediction about Dotson, suggesting he could be a home-run pick for the Raiders.
Dotson earned a priority free-agent grade by Lance Zierlein of the NFL Network. Here are his strengths and weaknesses:
"Dotson is an instinctive corner with impressive ball production. However, he struggles to stay connected if the play travels beyond the first level," Zierlein wrote.
Zierlein appreciated his eyes and instincts but noticed Dotson seemed slower.
"He lacks speed and could struggle making plays downfield," Zierlein wrote.
Zierlein noted his prolific interception numbers but felt that Dotson needed to improve his tackling to fit on a roster. However, the ideal defense can bring out the best in him. Vegas's system offers that potential.
The system calls for players to line up in various spots, perfect for Dotson, as Kansas gave him this flexibility. Moreover, the Raiders need fresh and improved cornerbacks, making Dotson a player to keep an eye on.
Jack Jones left via free agency, creating a void. The Raiders have limited intriguing cornerback options after that. Although the team drafted Darien Porter from Iowa State in the third round, they need to hold a competition to see who will emerge as the next ballhawk. Mello Dotson brings his unique skill set to the table.
- Though Mello Dotson went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, he could prove to be the strongest undrafted free agent (UDFA) for the Seattle Raiders in American football.
- Known for finding undrafted talent, Pete Carroll has the opportunity to find another gem like Doug Baldwin in Dotson, who played under him with the Seattle Seahawks and helped them win a Super Bowl.
- Despite not being drafted by any team from picks 1 to 257, Dotson has earned a priority free-agent grade from Lance Zierlein of the NFL Network, indicating his potential to make a significant impact in the NFL.
- Field Yates predicts that Dotson could be a home-run pick for the Raiders, especially with their need for improved cornerbacks after the departure of Jack Jones via free agency.
- Dotson, a cornerback from Kansas, will bring his length, valuable experience, and unique skill set to the Raiders, including his impressive ball production and instinctive play-making ability.
- With the 2025 NFL Draft bringing in only 11 rookies for the Raiders, the addition of Dotson, along with the undrafted boys, may add a new dynamic to the team, potentially making the Raiders a stronger force in the NFL in the coming years.
