The Minnesota Vikings selected former Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond with the second pick in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft on Friday night, 66th overall.
While this draft produced several reputed can't-miss quarterback prospects, Mond arrives in the pros after taking a markedly different path.
Despite perhaps lacking in eye-popping numbers, Mond is trending in the right direction at the right time, coming off a strong senior season which he capped off by taking home MVP honors at the Senior Bowl.
The four-year starter is a classic example of a player improving his game gradually when given the opportunity to grow and mature from his experiences. Will he get the same chance in the pros?
Here's what you need to know about Mond:
Measurables: 6'3"/217
School: Texas A&M
2020 stats: 10 games, 188 completions on 297 attempts, 63.3% completion rate, 2,282 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, 3 interceptions; 74 carries, 274 rushing yards, 4.0 yards per carry, 4 touchdowns
Accolades: 2020 Senior Bowl MVP, 2020 Davey O'Brien Award semifinalist; 2019 Texas Bowl MVP
Strengths:
- A "gamer" who is poised in the pocket
- Four years' experience as college starter
- Simple, clean, high-shouldered throwing mechanics
- Effective in the run-pass option as well as on designed runs
- Good throwing on the run and improvising when plays break down
- Natural feel for the game
Weaknesses:
- More of a "game manager" than volume producer
- Solid but not overwhelming college stats
- Not a natural deep-ball thrower
- Sometimes struggles to put appropriate arc and velocity on passes
- Tends to hold onto the ball for too long in the pocket, and can be statuesque when reading through progressions
Expert scout analysis:
- "Noticeable pocket poise and accuracy ... but he might lack the consistency to ever become more than a solid backup" -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Tape:
Player comparison: Jake Plummer
By most measures, Plummer was a pretty average NFL quarterback, but he is remembered for his flair for the dramatic. While Mond is a markedly composed character by comparison, his shares Plummer's feel for the game and functional mobility, suggesting he could be effective if used properly in the right system -- likely one with heavy play-action and rollouts, or the run-pass option.
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