QB, Texas A&M

Update: Kellen Mond Vikings. The Minnesota Vikings crushed it by taking Kellen Mond in the third round.

As a high school student Mond began his career in San Antonio before he decided to transfer to the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. While there he put up 2,700 total yards and scored 38 touchdowns. Rivals.com ranked him as a five star prospect and the number one dual threat quarterback coming out of high school. Although he had offers from schools aplenty, he decided to stay close to home in college.

As a freshman at Texas A&M Mond was forced into the starting role when Nick Starkel was injured and he never looked back. Mond finished his collegiate career as one of only three SEC quarterbacks to record over 9,000 yards passing and 1,500 yards rushing. During his final year at A&M in 2020, he almost led the Aggies to the College Football Playoffs with a record of 9-1, their lone loss coming against eventual National Champion Alabama. He did so with his veteran poise and good decision making. On the year, he threw for 2,282 yards and 19 touchdowns to only three interceptions.

Strengths

Mond has undeniable arm strength. He lobs the ball down field with ease and in my opinion throws one of the most catchable deep balls in the class. His back shoulder throws down the sideline are picture perfect, where only the receiver can make a play. Although known as a dual threat quarterback Mond stays in the pocket and moves well there without panicking. He can use his legs to extend plays and pick up yardage when needed, but I just couldn’t help but appreciate that he is a passer first, and a runner second.

I see him make good throws with anticipation before his receivers cut or turn around. This is a needed trait at the next level, as any real fan knows. He seems to go through his progressions well, but sometimes fails to process the entire field. Pre-snap I love his awareness and ability to see which defenders are hot. Now and then he still makes the wrong decision though and needs more coaching there. Lastly, his athleticism is more than enough to create problems for coordinators. Mond stands 6-2.5 and weighs 211 pounds while running a 4.57 40.

Weaknesses

Kellen has improved in the one measurable everyone was looking for, completion percentage. However, he could stand to clean up his footwork even more. I see him take half steps or too many steps every once in a while causing a hitch before he throws and throwing off timing. He can be a bit stiff from time to time and not square up to his target causing him not to get the zip one the ball you want. When he keeps his feet right, and drives the ball on the top of his drop, his arm is elite. As a thrower he will wow you with a beautiful deep ball but then miss an out route short afterwards. I would like to see more consistency from Mond. As a college quarterback he worked almost entirely out of shotgun or pistol. He will need to learn how to play under center more in the NFL.

During 2020 Kellen completed a career high 63.3% of his passes. Maybe not as high a number as I would like, but when I watched the film I saw his receivers drop a fairly high number of balls. I’d assume given better hands on the receiving core Mond would be closer to 67-68% this last season. That isn’t as concerning. In the end I value Mond’s poise and decision making as a pocket passer first along with his ability to extend the play when things break down. I believe he will continue to grow as a player and develop his throwing mechanics even more under an NFL positions coach.

Team Fits

I have been on this idea for a long time now, and I cant help but want to see the Washington Football team take Mond and give him a year behind Fitzmagic and Heinicke. I believe he would be a solid decision maker that could help the defense by not turning the ball over. You may call him a game manager, but he’s one that could also extend and make plays on his own. I believe it is a magical fit.

Another team I’m intrigued by would be Arthur Smith’s Falcons. If they don’t go quarterback early I think this could be a good fit with their early third rounder. Mond could become his Ryan Tannehill after they move on from Matt Ryan.