Xs & Os: Analysts Describe How Rookie QB Kellen Mond Could Eventually Help Vikings

[Viktor]

Player Profile: Kellen Mond, Texas A&M, senior


Mond is listed at 6-foot-3 and 211 pounds, meaning he has plenty of size for the position.


He also compiled a sterling resumé with the Aggies and has boatloads of experience from his time in college.


Mond is Texas A&M's all-time leader in passing yards (9,661), touchdowns (71), completions (801) and attempts (1,358). He also started 44 games over four seasons in college.


Reid noted that he saw marked improvement from Mond over his college career, especially in his final three seasons under Texas A&M Head Coach Jimbo Fisher.


"I thought Jimbo did a really good job of really developing him and really unlocking some things that needed to be unlocked," Reid said. "You saw his numbers increase across the board every year that he was under Jimbo's tutelage in his final three seasons.


"I like a lot of the thing Mond brings to the table, but the unique thing about Kellen is that even though he was a four-year starter at Texas A&M, he's still only 21 years old," Reid added. "That's something you rarely see."


Reid said Mond, who will turn 22 next month, has a bevy of likable traits at the quarterback spot, including his decision-making process, arm strength and timing.


"Just quicker decisions, that's something you notice about him. His arm strength improved … the ball jumped out of his hand very violently his senior year," Reid said. "And his accuracy got better … you could tell he really knew where to go with the ball and was a much more confident thrower."


But the one attribute that could benefit Mond the most — and is in line where some believe the NFL is trending — is his mobility and ability to move around.


Mond ran for 22 scores in college. He also averaged around 400 rushing yards per season.


"It helps a lot when you're trying to adjust to the speed of the game," Reid said. "From a mental standpoint, you're not always going to be there, especially as a young player. So having that extra lifeline is where you can bail yourself out and use it as a crutch."