Six players to watch for Rams in the FCS National Championship

While all of the focus will be on the final four in the College Football Playoff, the FCS National Championship takes place on Monday. On Monday Night, the Montana State Bobcats will take on the North Dakota State Bison. These players may not have the same pedigree as those in the FBS, but some will certainly get a look in the NFL. The Los Angeles Rams have looked to the FCS in the past, finding Cooper Kupp in 2017. Lance McCutcheon who starred in the preseason also came from Montana State. Here are six players to watch in Monday’s game.

1. OT Grey Zabel, NDSU

The best NFL prospect in Monday’s FCS National championship game will be Grey Zabel from North Dakota State. The Bison have developed some good offensive linemen in recent years. From Cody Mauch to Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State has pumped out good offensive linemen and Zabel is the latest.

Zabel is probably better suited on the inside or at right tackle, but he’ll be a day two prospect. Many will be watching him at the end of the month when he goes to Mobile to compete at the Senior Bowl. Brandon Thorn of Bleacher Report wrote on Zabel,

“Zabel shows starter-level physical tools with refined run blocking skills and understanding of leverage that signal he can become an immediate role player and potential starter within his first year or two with center likely being his best fit.”

The Bison offensive lineman is 6’5, 304 and brings the tough mindset you would expect from North Dakota State. Again, he’s versatile with over 100 snaps at every position outside of center.

2. iOL Marcus Wehr, Montana State

Next on this list is Marcus Wehr. He may not get the same attention as Zabel, but he is a key player to Montana State’s run game that is the engine of their offense. Wehr is a former defensive lineman, but converted last year to the offensive side of the ball. Since making that switch, he has dominated.

Draft analyst Sam Teets said of Wehr,

“Wehr is a recent defensive line convert who is on an impressive trajectory thanks to his smooth movement skills, agility, and improving hand usage. His frame comes with some physical limitations that will likely necessitate a move inside at the next level, but Wehr has the mentality, speed, and aggression to handle the transition in stride.”

After playing last year at right tackle, Wehr played inside at guard in 2024. He’s likely better suited to play on the inside, but should have some versatility on the right side of the offensive line. Wehr will be at the East-West Shrine Bowl which is where Mason McCormick came onto the scene last year.

3. QB Tommy Mellott, Montana State

There may not be a more exciting player in the FCS than Tommy Mellott. Mellott has been the piece that makes the Montana State offense go ever since he took over as a freshman four years ago. He led the Bobcats to the National Championship then and has done so once again.

Mellott is only 6’0, 207-pounds and likely doesn’t have a future as a quarterback in the NFL. However, there is a spot for a guy like this on a practice squad or NFL roster somewhere. He may not be as big as Taysom Hill, but he has that skillset and is very good with the ball in his hands. Whenever the Bobcats offense has needed a play, Mellott has been there to make it.

4. P Brendan Hall, Montana State

It’s not every day that you see a 6’9 punter. Yes, Hall stands at six feet nine inches and has been one of the best punters in the FCS. Hall has allowed just 4.6 yards per return with a net of 41.8 yards per punt. It’s hard to write much about a punter, but it’s hard to miss Hall when he’s on the field.

5. EDGE Brody Grebe, Montana State

Outside of the two offensive linemen, this game is thin on players who will be featured during the NFL Draft process. With that said, there are players like Mellott and Hall who are simply fun or interesting. In Grebe’s case, this is another player who should get a look in NFL camps. Per College Football Network’s James Fragoza,

“His relentless motor made him a force in all phases, leading to his vastly improved tackling from 2022 to 2023. Of course, Grebe won’t be nearly as dominant against NFL-level OTs, but he has the mentality and floor to make a roster.”

Grebe has six sacks this season for the Bobcats. The Rams took a chance on Daniel Hardy from Montana State a few years ago. Grebe doesn’t have the same athleticism, but he has the type of competitive motor that NFL teams will like. The Montana State edge rusher is 12th in the nation in pressures and is the fifth-best edge rusher in the FCS via PFF.

6. DL Eli Mostaert, NDSU

I’ll throw in one more player to keep an eye on in this game and that’s North Dakota State’s Eli Mostaert. Mostaert plays a key role in the middle of the Bison defensive line. He’s a bit smaller at just 287-pounds and a sixth-year senior. With that said, he seems to always find his way into the backfield.