The Chicago Bears are approaching what might be GM Ryan Pace’s most important draft. It could also very well be his last. With holes to fill throughout the roster and eight picks at his disposal, Pace sets out on a weekend in search of impact talent and players with upside. With all eyes on the 2021 NFL Draft, let’s check out some of the more promising draft-eligible prospects who have been rumored to be persons of interest.
Previous targets: QB Justin Fields, OL Teven Jenkins, QB Mac Jones, QB Trey Lance
Today: Kellen Louis Mond, QB, Texas A&M
Performance, Rankings, Accomplishments
• Measurements: 6-3, 211 pounds, 33.5-inch arms, 9.375-inch hands
• 2020 stats: 10 games, 188/297 (63.3%), 2,282 passing yards, 19 TD, 3 INT; 74 rushes, 294 yards, 4 TD
• Career stats: 46 games, 801/1,358 (59%), 9,661 yards, 71 TD, 27 INT; 438 carries, 1,609 rushing yards, 22 TD
• Accomplishments: Senior Bowl MVP (2021), Texas Bowl MVP (2019)
• Position ranking: 6th (ESPN), 8th (Pro Football Focus), 6th (The Draft Network), 6th (Pro Football Network)
The NFL.com Draft Profile Says…
“The Aggies’ offense asked too much of Mond in the past, which led to diminishing returns. However, the 2020 offense featured a strong rushing attack paired with play-action, where he not only found greater confidence and rhythm as a passer, but also noticeable pocket poise and accuracy.”
You can read the full profile here.
Bears Connection
Mond and the Bears were totally smitten with each other when they met during the pre-draft process.
Highlights
Where’s the Fit?
Should the Bears fail to land someone from the Justin Fields, Trey Lance, Mac Jones grouping of quarterbacks, waiting until Day 2 wouldn’t be the worst ideal. That’s where you’ll find Mond, a four-year starter who was a dual-threat option, Senior Bowl standout, and someone worth considering as a developmental option.
Mond has plenty of admirable qualities. He doesn’t turn the ball over, which should be a priority for this coaching staff. Mond possesses unique athleticism. It shows up when making plays as a rusher, throwing on the run, and slinging it from numerous arm slots and angles. And that Mond started four years in the SEC says something about his perseverance as a player.
That Mond’s game never went another level despite starting four year might be a red flag to some. However, some of those concerns could be wiped away when taking into consideration that Mond wrote his own Pro Day workout script. It was a bold move, to be sure. But it was done in an attempt to impress scouts and talent evaluators in a different way. Mond’s decision allowed him to display his arm strength, accuracy, and ability to work from under center. Showing your talents as they translate to the next level rather than working through a scripted performance seems to have left some good impressions.
Mond isn’t the type of quarterback one would expect to start right away. But given time to hone his craft behind a one-year stop-gap, targeting Mond as a Day 2 target would allow the Bears to focus on other positions of need with their other early picks. For instance, picking an offensive lineman and receiver along with Mond would make for a nice haul on the first two days of the NFL Draft.