Former Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond was selected as the 66th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by Minnesota.

In the world of college football, few moments are as monumental for a player as hearing their name called during the NFL Draft. It signifies the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and a passion for the game that drives them to reach the highest level of football. For Kellen Mond, former quarterback for Texas A&M, his selection as the 66th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings marked the beginning of his professional journey. However, Mond’s path to the NFL was not a straightforward one. It was filled with challenges, growth, and moments of brilliance that showcased his potential.

This article delves deep into Kellen Mond’s college career at Texas A&M, his NFL Draft experience, his selection by the Minnesota Vikings, and what his future in the NFL holds. It also highlights Mond’s unique attributes as a quarterback, his development over the years, and the expectations surrounding him as he transitions to professional football.

Kellen Mond: From Texas A&M to the NFL

Kellen Mond’s journey to the NFL was not just about raw talent; it was a story of perseverance and development. Born on June 22, 1999, in San Antonio, Texas, Mond’s athletic ability was apparent early in life. A dual-sport athlete, he played both football and basketball in high school. Mond attended Ronald Reagan High School in San Antonio, where he was a standout quarterback. During his high school years, Mond exhibited the type of poise and athleticism that would later be his trademark at the collegiate level.

Despite his success in high school, Mond was not always viewed as a surefire NFL prospect. His college recruitment was competitive, and many programs saw him as an under-the-radar talent who needed significant development. In the end, Mond chose to play for Texas A&M, where he would develop under head coach Jimbo Fisher’s tutelage and become one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Aggies’ history.

Mond’s College Career at Texas A&M

Kellen Mond’s college career began in 2017 when he was named the starting quarterback at Texas A&M as a true freshman. His first season saw him show flashes of brilliance, though there were growing pains typical of a freshman quarterback. Mond completed 57.5% of his passes for 3,000 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. He also demonstrated his ability to run, adding another dimension to his game with over 300 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns.

In 2018, Mond continued to improve. His passing yards increased, and he became more consistent as a quarterback. Mond finished the season with 3,107 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. However, despite individual success, Texas A&M’s team struggled to win consistently, finishing with a 9-4 record. Mond’s ability to put up solid numbers was evident, but it was clear that he needed to become more refined in his decision-making and consistency if he wanted to elevate his game to the NFL level.

By 2019, Mond had evolved into one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC. He helped lead Texas A&M to an 8-5 record and a Gator Bowl win, continuing his growth in both the passing and running game. His final season in college, 2020, saw him take his game to the next level. Under Jimbo Fisher’s offensive system, Mond was able to show maturity and consistency, guiding the Aggies to an 8-1 record and a top 5 national ranking.

Mond finished the 2020 season with 2,282 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions. His 61% completion rate was solid, and he also rushed for 294 yards and 4 touchdowns. These performances were key in demonstrating Mond’s ability to lead a high-profile offense, and the spotlight that Texas A&M gained throughout the season solidified Mond’s status as an NFL prospect.

Kellen Mond’s Strengths as a Quarterback

Kellen Mond is known for his physical tools and versatility. While he was often overshadowed in the SEC by other standout quarterbacks, such as Alabama’s Mac Jones or Florida’s Kyle Trask, Mond’s combination of athleticism, arm strength, and leadership made him a unique and intriguing quarterback prospect for NFL teams.

Athleticism and Mobility

One of Mond’s most notable traits is his athleticism. Standing at 6’2” and weighing around 215 pounds, Mond has the build of a prototypical NFL quarterback. What sets him apart, however, is his mobility. Mond is not a quarterback who relies solely on his arm; he is an excellent athlete capable of moving out of the pocket and extending plays. His ability to make defenders miss with his legs and keep plays alive when things break down has always been one of his strengths.

During his time at Texas A&M, Mond consistently displayed his mobility. His ability to escape pressure and make plays with his legs was often a difference-maker. In the NFL, quarterbacks who can move are highly valued, especially in today’s game, where mobility allows for the creation of big plays and the ability to evade the rush. This skill set made Mond an intriguing prospect, even though his passing mechanics and consistency were still works in progress.

Strong Arm and Downfield Accuracy

Another key strength of Mond’s game is his arm strength. Mond’s ability to throw deep passes with velocity and accuracy has been a standout feature since his college days. His throws down the field often showed his ability to make NFL-level passes, a key requirement for any quarterback looking to make the jump from college to the pros.

Mond’s downfield accuracy was somewhat inconsistent during his college career, which caused some skepticism among scouts. While he had the arm strength to make all the necessary throws, his timing and precision on long balls were at times erratic. However, the potential was always there, and NFL coaches and evaluators were intrigued by the raw talent that Mond possessed.

Leadership and Mental Toughness

Beyond his physical tools, Kellen Mond earned a reputation for being a strong leader on the field. He was the unquestioned leader of the Texas A&M offense for four seasons, and his teammates praised his work ethic, mental toughness, and ability to stay composed under pressure. In the locker room, Mond was known as someone who led by example, always putting in the extra work to improve his game.

Mond’s leadership was on full display in big moments, such as when he guided the Aggies to a dramatic win over Florida in 2020. In that game, Mond threw for 338 yards and 3 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His mental toughness and ability to rise to the occasion are key attributes that NFL teams look for in quarterbacks, especially in those critical moments during a game.

The 2021 NFL Draft: Mond’s Selection by the Minnesota Vikings

Kellen Mond entered the 2021 NFL Draft as one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects. After an up-and-down career at Texas A&M, his physical tools were undeniable, but his consistency and mechanics were still areas of concern. Many analysts had Mond ranked as a potential second or third-round pick, and he ultimately went 66th overall to the Minnesota Vikings, marking the beginning of his professional journey.

The selection by the Vikings was a significant one. Minnesota had already committed to quarterback Kirk Cousins, but the team recognized the need for a young quarterback to develop behind him. The Vikings had struggled with consistency at the backup quarterback position, and Mond’s selection signaled their intention to develop a potential future starter while maintaining depth at the position.

The Minnesota Vikings’ decision to draft Mond was rooted in their belief that he could develop into a starting-caliber quarterback under the right coaching staff. The Vikings’ offensive coordinator, Gary Kubiak, was known for his work with quarterbacks, and the hope was that Kubiak and head coach Mike Zimmer could help Mond refine his skills and provide him with the guidance necessary to take his game to the next level.

What the Future Holds for Kellen Mond in the NFL

As Mond embarks on his NFL journey, expectations are mixed. While there is undeniable talent and potential, there are still questions regarding his consistency and ability to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. Mond will likely spend much of his early years in the NFL learning the ropes behind Kirk Cousins, who has been a reliable but not exceptional starting quarterback for the Vikings.

Mond’s success in the NFL will depend on his ability to adapt to the pro level, fine-tune his mechanics, and develop his decision-making under pressure. The Vikings are known for their patient approach with young quarterbacks, and Mond will benefit from having time to develop in a low-pressure environment. If Mond can improve his accuracy and consistency, while maintaining his mobility and leadership skills, he has the potential to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

There is also the possibility that Mond could become an asset for the Vikings in short-yardage and red-zone situations, where his ability to run the ball and extend plays could provide a valuable weapon. His versatility as both a passer and a runner makes him a unique option in today’s NFL, where dual-threat quarterbacks are becoming more prominent.

Kellen Mond’s Legacy and Potential in the NFL

Kellen Mond’s selection as the 66th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings represents the culmination of a remarkable college career and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Mond’s journey to the NFL was not without its challenges, but his growth as a quarterback at Texas A&M was undeniable. His physical tools, leadership, and mental toughness give him the potential to thrive at the professional level.

As he embarks on his NFL career, the expectations for Mond are tempered by the need for development, but his upside is immense. If he can refine his skills and become a more consistent passer, Mond has the potential to become a starting quarterback in the NFL. Regardless of what the future holds, Kellen Mond’s journey serves as a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the drive to reach the highest levels of football. The Minnesota Vikings are betting on that potential, and time will tell whether they made the right call with the 66th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.