Who Should I Start? Kevin Austin Jr. or Tommy Mellott

Monday, August 11, 11:15 AM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. led the team in targets Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, hauling in four of five chances for 42 yards. The third-year pro looks to be in play for a depth receiver role on a Saints team in the midst of a quarterback battle. New Orleans is giving a long look to quarterbacks Tyler Though and Spencer Rattler in the preseason, while the receiver room is paced by Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and veteran Brandin Cooks. Austin could be a factor given some of the injury histories elsewhere on the roster, but the Saints' offense looks to be a work in progress.

Friday, May 23, 12:19 PM

The Athletic's Tashan Reed reports that Las Vegas Raiders rookie sixth-rounder Tommy Mellott got significant action at slot receiver during an OTA practice this week. The quarterback-turned-receiver made cornerback Darnay Holmes fall on an in-and-out route on one rep before catching a pass from quarterback Geno Smith and turning upfield. Receiver Tre Tucker made the most impressive play of the day on a deep route where he got open over the top of the safety for a diving catch. Tucker started most of last year, but his role could be in jeopardy in 2025 after the Raiders drafted Dont'e Thornton and Jack Bech. Mellott is fast and athletic at 6-foot, 208 pounds but will most likely serve in a depth role at wideout in his first year in the NFL while also contributing as a return option on special teams.