NFL roster reduction day delivered disappointing news for football supporters in Montana. Both Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen failed to make their teams’ initial 53-man rosters.
The Las Vegas Raiders parted ways with Mellott, a sixth-round draft choice from Montana State, while the San Francisco 49ers waived seventh-round selection Junior Bergen during the league’s final roster cuts.
As every NFL franchise reduced its preseason roster from 90 players to the regular-season limit of 53, competition became increasingly intense. Mellott spent training camp converting from quarterback to wide receiver, while Bergen competed for opportunities as a receiver and return specialist. Throughout preseason action, both players also contributed on special teams.
Although both entered the league through the NFL Draft, neither earned a place on the active roster. On the other hand, several former Montana State Bobcats, including Bozeman native Will Dissly, secured roster spots. At the moment, no former Montana Grizzlies are listed on an active NFL roster.
Table of Contents
- Why Did Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen Get Cut?
- Fierce Competition for Limited Roster Spots
- Position Transition and Player Development
- The Importance of Special Teams
- How NFL Final Roster Cuts Work
- Reducing Rosters from 90 to 53
- Waived vs. Released Explained
- Team-Building Strategy
- What’s Next for Both Players?
- Practice Squad Opportunities
- Alternative Professional Leagues
- Midseason NFL Chances
- What This Means for Future Montana Prospects
- What FCS Players Must Show
- Staying Ready Through Adversity
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen Get Cut?
Their release was primarily the result of roster competition rather than poor performance.
Every summer, NFL organizations face the difficult task of reducing their preseason squads from 90 players to just 53 active roster positions. Developmental rookies often have very little room for error, and despite showing potential, both players faced the enormous challenge of earning roles on veteran-heavy teams.
Fierce Competition for Limited Roster Spots
Each rookie entered camp facing crowded position groups.
- Mellott competed as a backup slot receiver and return candidate.
- Bergen projected as a depth receiver with return responsibilities.
- Veteran players generally received preference due to their experience.
- Final roster positions frequently go to proven special teams contributors.
Because coaching staffs devote most practice reps to starters and primary backups, younger players often have fewer chances to prove they deserve a roster spot.
Position Transition and Player Development
Mellott encountered an even greater challenge by changing positions after college.
Making the move from quarterback to wide receiver at the NFL level requires learning detailed route running, blocking assignments, reading defensive coverages, and mastering entirely different footwork.
Although he displayed athletic ability—including an impressive kickoff return during preseason—his production as a receiver remained limited. The Raiders ultimately favored players who could contribute immediately.
Bergen faced a different obstacle. Surrounded by a talented and versatile receiving group, he needed to carve out a unique role. Without a clearly defined specialty or significant impact across multiple phases of the game, earning one of the final roster spots became increasingly difficult.
The Importance of Special Teams
Special teams often determine which players survive final roster cuts.
While Bergen produced respectable numbers as a returner during preseason, coaches evaluate much more than statistics. They closely examine:
- Ball security
- Decision-making
- Blocking assignments
- Composure during pressure situations
NFL teams value players who either excel in one specific role or contribute across several units. Although both rookies showed promise, neither demonstrated enough all-around value to remain on the initial roster.
How NFL Final Roster Cuts Work
Roster reduction day is one of the most difficult parts of the NFL calendar.
Reducing Rosters from 90 to 53
Each NFL team begins training camp with as many as 90 players. Before the regular season begins, that number must be reduced to just 53 active roster members, meaning dozens of players are released or waived across the league.
Teams may then build a 16-player practice squad (17 if an international player exemption applies), while only 48 players are eligible to dress for each game.
Waived vs. Released Explained
The difference depends on a player’s NFL experience.
- Players with fewer than four accrued seasons are waived, allowing other teams to claim them.
- Veterans with four or more accrued seasons are released and immediately become free agents.
Because Mellott and Bergen are rookies, both entered the waiver process after being cut. Early-season waiver priority is based on draft order, giving struggling teams the first opportunity to claim young talent.
Team-Building Strategy
The final few roster decisions are usually influenced by overall roster construction rather than individual preseason statistics.
Teams often prioritize:
- Reliable special teams players
- Multi-position depth options
- Cost-effective roster flexibility
What’s Next for Both Players?
Being waived is often just the beginning of a professional football career.
Practice Squad Opportunities
Every NFL team maintains a practice squad that allows players to continue developing while remaining in the organization.
Benefits include:
- Weekly salary
- Ongoing coaching and development
- Opportunities to be promoted to the active roster when injuries occur
Remaining on a practice squad keeps players only one step away from returning to game-day action.
Alternative Professional Leagues
If NFL opportunities don’t immediately materialize, other professional leagues remain available, including:
- Canadian Football League (CFL)
- United Football League (UFL)
Both leagues have helped numerous players develop before eventually earning another NFL opportunity.
Midseason NFL Chances
NFL rosters constantly change throughout the season due to injuries and performance.
Teams frequently re-sign familiar players who already understand their systems, making preparation and readiness extremely valuable.
What This Means for Future Montana Prospects
The experiences of Mellott and Bergen illustrate how difficult the transition can be for athletes from smaller college programs.
What FCS Players Must Show
Players coming from programs like Montana State typically need to:
- Dominate against FCS competition
- Display athletic traits that translate to the NFL
- Show positional flexibility
- Provide consistent value on special teams
NFL scouts often place as much importance on versatility and long-term potential as they do on college production.
Staying Ready Through Adversity
Building a lasting NFL career requires resilience.
Many successful professionals experienced early setbacks before eventually finding stable roles. Montana State continues to produce competitive, versatile athletes capable of adapting to higher levels of football, even if immediate roster success isn’t guaranteed.
Conclusion
The decisions involving Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen reflect the harsh reality of NFL roster limits rather than a lack of talent. Team needs, positional depth, and overall roster construction ultimately determined their fate.
With practice squad opportunities, alternative professional leagues, and possible in-season openings still available, both players remain very much in the picture for future NFL opportunities. For many athletes, roster cut day marks the beginning—not the end—of their professional journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why didn’t Tommy Mellott and Junior Bergen make the final roster?
Both players faced stiff competition for limited roster spots, with teams favoring experienced veterans and players ready to contribute immediately.
Q2. Can they still play in the NFL this season?
Yes. If they clear waivers, they may join a practice squad or sign with another team later in the season when roster needs arise.
Q3. What’s the difference between being waived and released?
Players with fewer than four accrued NFL seasons are waived and may be claimed by another team, while experienced veterans are released and become free agents immediately.
Q4. Why are special teams so important during roster cuts?
Special teams often determine the final roster spots because coaches value players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game.
Q5. Does being waived end an NFL career?
No. Many NFL players were released early in their careers before eventually becoming long-term contributors after earning another opportunity.
