It’s not an unpopular opinion that the Las Vegas Raiders seem to have had a successful draft. NFL Network gave Sin City’s football team an ‘A’ grade during the three-day event, as did Pro Football Focus and Bleacher Report–the latter giving an ‘A+’. The team’s undrafted free agent haul was nearly just as good, headlined by Kansas standout cornerback Mello Dotson.
Dotson came into draft day ranking 126th-overall on PFF’s final big board, and for good reason. This is a cornerback with adept ball skills, instincts and playmaking ability, recording 12 interceptions throughout his collegiate career at Kansas with four-of-12 interceptions resulting in a pick-6.
During his ’24 campaign, the 23-year-old cornerback took five passes the other way while personally breaking up an additional seven passes. Dotson allowed 38 receptions on 67 throws in his direction (56.7% completion percentage), surrendering an opposing quarterback rating of 69.1 when targeted.
As PFF notes, no power-four cornerback in the country was better against two routes than Dotson was–the ‘in’ and ‘out’ routes.
Dotson’s physicality in man coverage and discipline in zone are large contributors to that. In man coverage, the Kansas alum welcomes hand-fighting. He even proved this true when facing TCU against his now-teammate Jack Bech who he had a ‘dog fight’ with. In zone, Dotson is patient, staying in his area and maneuvering well when opposing pass-catchers cross into his space.
There’s plenty more positives with Mello Dotson, too. And, of course, there are both negatives/concerns as well. One such concern that’s so glaring, it’s [very likely] the leading factor in why he didn’t hear his name called on draft night.
We welcome you to learn all you need to know about Dotson in our full scouting report and film breakdown, found here:
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Top Photo: Chance Parker Photos
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