The Las Vegas Raiders have been in desperate need of defensive playmakers—particularly in the secondary. With no playoff wins since 2002 and just 13 takeaways in 2024 (tied for fourth-fewest in the league), the arrival of new head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith has ushered in hope for change. That change might not be limited to high-profile signings or draft picks.
One of the more intriguing additions this offseason came not through the draft but in its aftermath. Kansas cornerback Mello Dotson, who surprisingly went undrafted despite being ranked 126th on PFF’s big board, could become a hidden gem for Las Vegas. In fact, PFF recently named Dotson one of the top undrafted free agents to watch heading into training camp.
Mello Dotson Could Be Las Vegas Raiders’ Turnover Machine
Dotson brings exactly what the Raiders have lacked: proven ball skills and an instinctive nose for takeaways. Over the past three seasons at Kansas, Dotson tallied 11 interceptions—including five in 2024 alone—and returned four of his 12 career picks for touchdowns. He added two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, and 25 passes defensed in 50 career games. Notably, he recorded at least two takeaways in each of his final four college seasons.
While tackling remains an area for improvement, Dotson’s coverage numbers were strong. He allowed a sub-70.0 passer rating into his coverage in each of the past two seasons. That’s particularly notable considering the Raiders’ current young cornerbacks, Jakorian Bennett and Decamerion Richardson—both fourth-round picks—have yet to record a single NFL interception and have struggled to crack a 60.0 overall PFF grade.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein gave a measured but optimistic pre-draft scouting report on Dotson:
“Instinctive outside corner with impressive ball production. Dotson has adequate NFL size and a good feel for reading routes underneath, but he struggles to stay connected if the play travels beyond the first level. He has good instincts and eyes in zone coverage. He triggers on throws with efficiency and ball-hawking angles to take it away. He lacks speed and could struggle making plays downfield. Dotson’s size, instincts and ball production will earn him consideration from zone teams, but playing in the league will require improved tackling and a specific scheme fit.”
Dotson’s skill set aligns well with Carroll’s defensive philosophy, which has long emphasized ball-hawking defenders who can make game-changing plays in zone schemes. His arrival comes alongside other promising additions, including first-round running back Ashton Jeanty and undrafted wide receiver Zakhari Franklin—who posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at UTSA before transferring to Illinois for a solid final campaign.
With turnover production a clear weakness in 2024—just 10 interceptions and 29 touchdown passes allowed—Dotson could offer immediate value in a thin and unproven secondary. If he makes the final roster, he may be more than just a roster filler. He could be exactly what the Raiders have lacked for two decades: a spark.
Welcome to Las Vegas, Mello Dotson.