Choose the wrong quarterback, however, and it could take a half-decade (or longer) for an NFL team to recover. And normally, very few coaches, executives or players come out on the other end with their jobs still in-tact, if they fail to find competent QB play. That’s why NFL organizations are so willing to pay mediocre veteran QBs that has already proven themselves at least capable, if called upon.

In Minnesota, especially, we’ve seen a Vikings franchise that has been very hesitant to take big risks at QB. For one, they’ve rarely been slotted high enough in the draft to take a chance at one of the top QBs. But also, the Wilf family ownership group has preferred more of a sure under center, since they bought the team back in 2005.

Minnesota Vikings bad at drafting QBs during Wilf era

That’s probably because their initial swing at a first round quarterback was Christian Ponder at No. 12 overall in 2011. Obviously, that did not go over as planned. They swung again six years later, selecting Teddy Bridgewater No. 32 overall in 2017. Then, of course, JJ McCarthy No. 10 overall in 2024.

But the Vikings have also been hesitant to draft quarterbacks on day two of the NFL Draft, over the past two decades, too. In fact, since 2005, the MN Vikings have only selected two QBs between rounds two and three. The first was Tarvaris Jackson in the 2nd round of the 2006 draft. The other, to the dismay of then head coach Mike Zimmer, was Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond very early in the 3rd round (No. 66 overall) back in 2021.

Related: Kellen Mond Confirms Mike Zimmer Mostly Ignored Him

Tarvaris Jackson served his purpose, back in the mid-2000s, which was mostly just handing the ball to Adrian Peterson while we waited for Brett Favre to finally arrived in 2009. Unfortunately, the Minnesota Vikings got very little out of Kellen Mond’s time in purple, or the early 3rd round investment they paid. Unless, of course, the goal in drafting him was to piss off Mike Zimmer, in which case it worked perfectly.

Kellen Mond named QB1 for San Antonio Brahmas

This summer, though, the Kellen Mond redemption tour starts in the UFL, where he was just named the starting quarterback for the San Antonio Brahmas, whose season starts next Saturday (March 29) vs the Arlington Renegades (on FOX).

BREAKING: The San Antonio Brahmas have named Kellen Mond as their starting QB for the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/fLUXVsxCvD

— United Football League (@TheUFL) March 22, 2025

Last UFL season, the Brahmas finished runner-up for the UFL Championship, losing the the team they host on Saturday, which only adds to the intrigue of next weekend’s matchup. This will be the 2nd official UFL season, which came together as part of the 2023 XFL + USFL merger.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Priority Draft Target Revealed

After the most prolific QB career in Texas A&M history, in which Kellen Mond threw for school records in total yards (9,661) and touchdowns (71). Unfortunately, the College Station legend was drafted into arguably the worst situation in the league — Mike Zimmer’s shit list.

Kellen Mond won't get a snap vs Chicago if Mike Zimmer has anything to say about it. #Vikings pic.twitter.com/SHpRMmlZar

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) January 3, 2022

It wasn’t even Mond’s fault. Zim wanted the Minnesota Vikings to use that early 2021 third round pick on defense. When GM Rick Spielman took Mond instead, the head coach stormed out of the Vikings war room and didn’t return for the rest of the night.

Best of luck, Mr. Kellen Mond…

Kellen Mond is now 25 years old. He’s played in just one regular season NFL game, which came his rookie season with the Vikings in week 16 vs the Green Bay Packers. He went 2-for-3 passing, for 5 yards. In 2022, he was a depth QB with the Cleveland Browns.

In 2023 and 2024, the San Antonio Texas native spent time on the preseason and practice squad rosters of the Colts and Saints. But in 2025, Kellen Mond isn’t going to sit around waiting for another practice squad spot during the NFL offseason

Related: Minnesota Vikings Reportedly in Talks With Veteran QB

He’s taking his talents to the UFL instead. Only time will tell if Mond ever makes his way back to the league. But no matter what, we’ll always have that one preseason game against the Raiders where he threw two touchdown passes…

Kellen Mond with his second TD pass of the day!#SKOL #Vikings pic.twitter.com/evIvInrBgg

— The Viking Age (@TheVikingAge) August 14, 2022

Zimmer called out multiple former associates, during his sit down with Mark Craig (Star Tribune), over the weekend. He fired shots at his former GM Rick Spielman, CB Kris Boyd, QB Kirk Cousins, QB draft pick Kellen Mond and maybe even the Wilfs.

Former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Kris Boyd forgives Mike Zimmer

So far, two of Zim’s targets have responded, in their own way. On Saturday, Boyd posted a story to his instagram account that read, “Damn Zim!!?? Out of everybody on the team, I loved you!! Still do, and it won’t change!! You believed in me, and I’m nothing but grateful for it!”

Former #Vikings ace Kris Boyd responds to Mike Zimmer’s comments: pic.twitter.com/vbcM9yZIdu

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) September 1, 2024

In case you missed it, or don’t remember, Zim singled Boyd out during the interview, as one of the players who talked shit about him, after he was fired by the Wilfs. Craig quoted Zimmer mocking the number of special teams penalties Boyd committed, while he was coaching: ‘Dude, you had more special teams penalties than anyone I can remember’.

Former Vikings QB Kellen Mond not as forgiving

The other public response to Zimmer’s interview came Sunday, from Kellen Mond. He had to read his former head coach admitting to the Star Tribune that he had no interest in drafting him. Zim even revealed how he walked out of the Minnesota Vikings war room the moment Rick Spielman handed in the pick, and didn’t return for the rest of the draft.

Kellen has spoken about the relationship he never had with Mike Zimmer before, but this time he went as far as to say that the two NEVER spoke to each other ONE TIME, in the 8 months he played under him. It’s almost too crazy to be possible, but after reading that interview, I believe it.

Speaking with former #Vikings QB Kellen Mond, he had this to say in response to Mike Zimmer:

“I don’t even know what our relationship was. Never spoke to him one time. The only coach I’ve ever had where his players and peers have 0 respect for him.” pic.twitter.com/S3nscQgtIB

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) September 1, 2024

“I don’t even know what our relationship was. Never spoke to him one time. The only coach I’ve ever had where his players and peers have 0 respect for him.”

Kellen Mond in response to Mike Zimmer’s interview (via @VikingzFanPage)

It’s too bad Zim continues to shoot himself in the foot. Because he can’t take any responsibility for how things ended with the Minnesota Vikings, he’s losing friendships and killing other important relationships in life.

Related: Local Insider Can See Vikings Drafting Another Top QB in 2025

Hopefully, time heals these wounds too, because Mike Zi

Goodbye Kellen Mond

The #Vikings are waiving QB Kellen Mond, per source.

A third-round pick out of Texas A&M in 2021, Mond had a lot of fans in the pre-draft process. But he struggled in preseason action and Minnesota’s new regime traded for Nick Mullens recently. Now, Mond heads to waivers.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 30, 2022

This was always a possibility, especially after the Vikings fired Rick Spielman, who drafted Mond. We’ll see what Kwesi & Co do now with Sean Mannion. He’d be much more likely to make it through waivers than Mond. Though, it’s possible that neither would be claimed.

Mannion appears destined to be involved with the Minnesota Vikings, in some capacity. What that ends up looking like is yet to be seen. Would Kwesi Adofo-Mensah keep three quarterbacks on the active roster? Stay tuned.

Update: Sean Mannion Cut

Sean Mannion has indeed been cut by the Minnesota Vikings. @SkolBros on Twitter had it first this morning. He’s been out-scooping mainstream media reporters throughout the day. Mannion’s release was confirmed by others a couple of hours later. As previously mentioned, it’s likely that Mannion ends up on the practice squad. I’d be surprised if Mond makes it through waivers.

The #Vikings have released QB Sean Mannion.

I would take a guess and say they sign up to the practice squad.

— ???? over 8.5 (@SkolBros) August 30, 2022

I've confirmed that #Vikings have waived QB Sean Mannion. Vikings have interest in putting him on the practice squad.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 30, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

So, on Monday morning, they dialed the Las Vegas Raiders and traded a conditional 7th round draft pick for Nick Mullens, a 27-year-old veteran who’s appeared in 20 NFL games (17 starts).

Trade! The #Raiders are sending QB Nick Mullens to the #Vikings for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2024, per sources.

A new potential backup for Kirk Cousins. pic.twitter.com/wZmYddMmay

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 22, 2022

New #Vikings QB Nick Mullens has a $1.24 million base salary, with $500,000 of that guaranteed and also has $68,000 per game roster bonuses.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 22, 2022

What’s next for Vikings’ backup QBs?

I’d imagine Sean Mannion will be part of the cut list today, when the Vikings chop their roster from 85 players, down to 80. Kellen Mond’s football career could also be on the line this Saturday, when the Vikings play in their final preseason game in Denver.

According to Chris Tomasson (Pioneer Press), Nick Mullens is in line to serve as Kirk Cousins’ backup this season. Given what we’ve seen, heard and read on Mond and Mannion so far this preseason, Mullens should be a huge improvement. His numbers (17 Starts, 4861 YDS, 26 TD / 22INT, 64.6% CMP) and experience speak for themselves, not to mention the $500,000 guaranteed in his contract.

But in the unlikely scenario, where Mullens is cut before game one of the regular season vs the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota will get their 7th round pick back. A great clause for Kwesi to work into the deal.

Confirmed: The @Raiders have traded Nick Mullens to the @Vikings for a conditional 7th round pick. Pick comes to fruition if Mullens is active for one game for the Vikings in 2022

— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) August 22, 2022

Kellen Mond and Sean Mannion have combined for just three starts, under 600 passing yards and one total touchdown in their careers. Nobody is calling Nick Mullens a starting-caliber quarterback. But he certainly qualifies as a competent backup. Something the Minnesota Vikings did not have until this morning.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

#Vikings Kellen Mond on Zimmer's harsh comments after GB game "He’s never really talked to me personally so I didn’t really take too much offense to it. He kind of backtracked on his word a little bit after. But it’s all fun & games whatever It’s a new year new coaches new team"

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) May 27, 2022

Remember the press conference where Zimmer threw Mond under the bus? How about the time he landed on the COVID list and the Vikings were forced to have their night practice with Jake Browning at the helm Mike Zimmer’s disdain for Kellen Mond is pretty well known, at this point. But these comments give his disdain even more affirmation.

Zimmer vs Vikings QB’s

Mike Zimmer was quick to go after players who weren’t vaccinated but seemed to focus on his QB room with Cousins, Mond and Stanley, none of which were vaccinated. Mond spoke on his experience with COVID-19 and confirmed he lost 10 lbs, which really set him back.

“I kind of got hurt when I got COVID & lost a bunch of muscle so a lot of ability & power & strength so I was down to like 204, 205 (pounds from 215) & lost a lot of muscle so it definitely set me back. … I didn’t get that really back until this season” Mond said.

Let’s fast forward to the Packer game at Lambeau on January 2, because this is where things really got interesting. COVID finally got Kirk Cousins, signaling the season was all but over. Mannion and Mond were both available and Zimmer went with Mannion. 

It wasn’t a surprise that Mond didn’t find the field in 2021-2022. He wasn’t drafted to do so. But it was Zimmer’s fault that Kellen Mond wasn’t ready for the big show that night in Green Bay. You can’t draft a quarterback and then never talk to him. That’s not the way coaching works.

New Vibe

There is an entire new vibe around TCO Performance Center. The guys are having fun, and enjoying themselves. We don’t know what will happen, as the results await on the field but early returns are Coach O’Connell and Kwesi have come in and invested in each and every one of these players on the roster. 

Players will stay away from saying too much about the regime change, but I won’t. This is exactly what the team needed, and Zimmer was a grumpy old man who essentially wanted to scare you into playing for him. Glad he’s gone, and based on a human assumption — the players are too.

Brian Heintz | Minnesota Sports Fan

But when asked about 3rd round rookie quarterback, Kellen Mond, Zimmer made his feelings very clear. He’s not a fan and is “not particularly” interested in starting Mond next week vs Chicago. Even if it’s a game that doesn’t matter, given the Vikings are now eliminated from playoff contention.

Kellen Mond won't get a snap vs Chicago if Mike Zimmer has anything to say about it. #Vikings pic.twitter.com/SHpRMmlZar

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) January 3, 2022

Kellen Mond played in one drive vs Green Bay (2/3, 5 YDS and a near INT). But according to Zimmer, that was only due to a Sean Mannion injury. Zim claimed not to remember what Mannion’s injury was.

No Mond With Mike Zimmer Around

If Mike Zimmer is the still head coach of the Minnesota Vikings next week and still has final say of who plays quarterback then we can be pretty sure Kellen Mond won’t take any snaps. It’s also safe to assume Zimmer wasn’t the guy cheering in the draft room when they selected Mond in the 3rd round last April.

But Kellen could get the last laugh. That’s because he’s much more likely to be present at Vikings training camp 2022 than Zim.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Let’s just say that Zim’s announcement was met with plenty of skepticism.

Kellen Mond will serve as the backup QB Sunday night.

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 31, 2021

Let Zimmer know.. like if you think Mond should start RT if you think practice guru Mannion should #Skol pic.twitter.com/m3mXx3biVE

— Rick Sosa (@sosarick) December 31, 2021

Don’t understand why the Vikings wouldn’t start Kellen Mond over Sean Mannion.

I never thought Mond was that good to begin with, but if you use a third-round pick on him, shouldn’t he be able to beat out a journeyman backup?

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) December 31, 2021

There’s a great debate to be had on whether Mike Zimmer and/or Rick Spielman deserve to keep their jobs next season and beyond. I wouldn’t bat one eyelash if the Wilf’s fired both of them tomorrow. And I’d happily take all of the clicks this website would get in the aftermath.

But the Minnesota Vikings starting Sean Mannion over Kellen Mond this weekend isn’t surprising. They haven’t shown even the slightest inkling that they’re impressed by the former Texas A&M quarterback, let alone comfortable throwing him onto a Lambeau Field in a MASSIVE nationally televised night game that’s currently forecasted to be in the below-zero temperatures.

On Sunday night, Zimmer is going to run his available running backs into the frozen Lambeau turf. Dalvin Cook might have 25 carries in the first half and I’d be surprised to see Mannion throw more than 15 times through the entirety of the game. With that being the case, the head coach is going to play the QB who is most able to manage that running game. Sean Mannion is the obvious choice.

Starting Mond Does What, Exactly?

Is it possible that Kellen Mond would have used this weekend to launch himself into the future role he hopes to have as Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback? Maybe… but probably not. No matter which backup starts on Sunday night, their likelihood for success is small. Given the opponent, the venue and the weather, it’s going to be difficult for either guy to have what fans and media would consider a “good game”.

So what good are you doing for Kellen Mond’s career by throwing him into that situation? Especially if you, as a head coach and/or general manager, don’t believe he’s ready. Let’s just pretend, for a moment, that Zimmer changes his mind before Sunday’s game and starts Mond.

BREAKING: The CDC recommends starting Kellen Mond over Sean Mannion. #SKOL

— SKOLhio (@SKOLhio) December 31, 2021

What happens if he struggles? Many fans and media members would write him off and then run him down for an entire offseason. Meanwhile, other teams get one or two games worth of tape on him for next year and beyond. How does that help Kellen Mond’s career?

What’s best for Kellen Mond, most likely, is another offseason. Another six months getting to know the Vikings system and more time to become a quality NFL quarterback.

This Ain’t It.

There are a lot of things for Minnesota Vikings fans to be upset about, as we turn the page to 2022. But I’m just not sure that Mannion over Mond is one of the top issues for fans to concern themselves with. We will soon find out what Kellen Mond is and it’s better for all involved if that happens in better circumstances.

Will Sean Mannion pull off a miracle in Green Bay on Sunday night? Probably not. But I have a hard time believing that Kellen Mond would have improved their odds, even in the slightest. So let’s just pray on Sunday morning (if you’re into that) and hope the football gods are finally behind us.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Kirk Cousins holds the Minnesota Vikings 2021 season in his hands. Sure, the offensive line could break down again or the many defensive improvements made this offseason could show, in hindsight, not to be improvements at all.

But with the weapons around him and holes filled where those weapons are lacking, this looks like a Kirk Cousins make-or-break year. After drafting Kellen Mond in day two of April’s draft, it’s clear the Vikings feel the same way.

Early in offseason workouts, highlights and clips put out on social media haven’t been focused on Kirk. Not that he hasn’t been in them, because he has, but they’re usually highlighting a wide receiver catching his ball OR… Patrick Peterson picking him off. But that clearly wasn’t the case on Wednesday. From all accounts, Kirk Cousins was on fire today in the Eagan heat, especially during the 2-minute drill.

Kirk Cousins stole the show today at #Vikings OTAs. He’s had good practices the past 2 weeks but today he was dropping dimes left & right!

There’s a lot of pieces to the puzzle but this team will go as far as Kirk takes us. #SKOL

— Gabe Henderson (@GabeAHenderson) June 9, 2021

Cousins also led what could have been a successful 2-minute drill at the end of practice. Down 24-22 with just over 90 seconds on the clock, the quarterback engineered a solid drive with no timeouts from his own 25-yard line.

The quarterback hit Tyler Conklin for a pair of first downs before Justin Jefferson showed some elusiveness on a big gain down the left sideline. A short completion to Ameer Abdullah put the offense in field goal range with 20 seconds left, but the potential go-ahead field goal was not attempted.

Vikings.com

The good get better

At some point during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, Kirk Cousins has frustrated every single fan who’s watched him play, even those who won’t admit it. Yet, the man continues to put up elite numbers in an offensive scheme that doesn’t really allow for that kind of production (just ask Stefon Diggs). Over the last handful of years, he’s been a top-6 quarterback, just by the raw numbers.

But, there’s a lot more to the game of football than the numbers that show up on paper and whether Kirk has the intangibles needed to be a Super Bowl winning QB can be argued until he wins a Super Bowl. Cousins has done some soul searching of his own over the last few months, however, apparently watching every game he’s played in since entering the league.

Clearly, he feels like he’s found something significant, as you can read from his quote.

New for Kirk Cousins: Vikings QB said he went back and watched every single game he's played in this offseason (not just 16 from '20). Has a film set up at home where he can access his entire library to create cut-ups. "I'm kicking myself that I didn't do it sooner in my career"

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) June 9, 2021

Kirk Cousins “An Open Book” for Kellen Mond

If you expected anything other than complete professionalism from Kirk Cousins toward 3rd round pick, Kellen Mond, then you still have no idea who Kirk is. When asked about Mond today, Cousins told reporters that he’ll be an open book to the rookie, who could end up replacing him eventually.

Again, this is what’s expected of Kirk Cousins. He’s not a guy who’s going to shake the apple tree. But honestly, I don’t care about how nice of a guy he is. As Minnesota Vikings fans, we want to win playoff games and play in a Super Bowl. That’s it.

You could be the biggest asshole on earth (within reason) and fans will love you if you win games. I’m sure teammates, coaches, front office and Mond himself are all happy that Kirk Cousins is such a nice guy. But for fans, this drought is much bigger than Kirk.

#Vikings QB Kirk Cousins on a Zoom call on drafting of Kellen Mond: "There was good communication through the process. Kellen's been great." He said the progress has been good.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) June 9, 2021

Kirk Cousins on helping Kellen Mond, the rookie backup: "You're an open book. You're helpful."

Cites the veterans from his past than helped him along the way, says he wants to imitate what they did for him.

— Sam Ekstrom (@SamEkstrom) June 9, 2021

Nah, I don’t care about any of that. Win playoff games and fans will like you. Get to a super bowl and fans will build you a statue. Everything else is whatever.

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) June 9, 2021

LIVE: QB @KirkCousins8 provides updates on the #Vikings offense during OTAs https://t.co/0uk1LXzc9G

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 9, 2021

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

We all knew the Minnesota Vikings went into April’s NFL Draft looking for a quarterback to possibly replace Kirk Cousins. But with Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer both on the hot seat heading into 2021, who was pushing them to take a future QB instead of a position player who can fill a hole immediately? Well, it turns out the “recommendation” for an early QB, who would eventually become Kellen Mond out of Texas A&M in the 3rd round, would come from the very top.

That’s right, the Wilf family all but called for the Vikings GM and front office to draft an early round quarterback. At least that’s what Darren Wolfson (SKOR North, KSTP) told “Mackie and Judd” this morning on SKOR North radio.

Who wanted the #Vikings to take a QB early in last weekend’s draft? The call came straight from the Wilf family, per @DWolfsonKSTP on with @PhilMackey and @jzulgad. pic.twitter.com/QNbYm0Gjoe

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) May 6, 2021

Transcript from video above:

Judd: Rick and the front office? Did Mike play a role, which I doubt. Because, I think it’s very interesting to get into the dynamic of who in that building, who has the foresight to say, ‘we are going to need a replacement for Kirk here and it’s going to, you know, actually be fairly soon’.

Wolfson: Judd, let’s start at the very very top: OWNERSHIP. I am told by multiple people that ownership drove the bus, not necessarily on that specific quarterback, Kellen Mond, but on the idea of taking a quarterback relatively high. And if it came down to it, even taking a quarterback in the first round. But that the Wilf’s didn’t want Spielman to wait until round six to take a quarterback. They didn’t want it to be like last year waiting until round 7, snagging, Nate Stanley.

I don’t want to call it an edict but there was a strong recommendation from the Wilf family to really look strongly at a quarterback really, really high. Clint Kubiak, you know from a scouting standpoint, drove a lot of the bus in terms of the background checks, in terms of being at pro days. You know, interviewing these these quarterbacks. Certainly, Clint Kubiak had a lot to do with how they stacked their board.

But I’m just telling you, Judd, I have it from from multiple angles, strong angles, that it was the Wilf’s more than anyone internally saying: ‘hey, it’s time for us to have some sort of succession plan’. ‘You guys’, this is the Wilf’s talking to Mike, to Rick, to Rob, to Jamal to others, ‘hey, you really need to take a long hard look at some of these upper-echelon quarterbacks’.

When the Wilf’s talk, Rick listens…. and hopefully Kirk does too.

The Minnesota Vikings’ owners pushing their team to draft a new quarterback shouldn’t be a surprise, in retrospect. We’d all expect the Wilf’s to be around a lot longer than Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman so it makes sense that they would be the group looking toward the future.

This news is also a wake-up call for Kirk Cousins. Wolfson went on to say in this interview (see below), that the Wilf’s seem “a bit tired of cutting big fat checks to Kirk Cousins” with minimal results. Remember, Cousins is only 32 years old, which is a prime age for NFL quarterbacks.

If the Vikings are happy with Cousins, they could logically hang onto him for the next 6-8 years and get him at the most productive time of his career. Can Kirk change the thinking of the Minnesota Vikings ownership group? Or, is he just keeping Kellen Mond’s seat warm?

“I think we’ve hit a point where the Wilf’s are a bit tired of cutting those big fat checks to Kirk Cousins…” – @DWolfsonKSTP ???????????? pic.twitter.com/B2heGVuajm

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) May 6, 2021

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Day II of the NFL Draft is behind us and the Minnesota Vikings got off to a slow start last night, to say the least. Minnesota entered day II without a second round pick but, packing an arsenal of (4) 3rd round picks and (3) 4th’s, nobody expected that to last long. But as the round unfolded, it quickly became clear that Rick Spielman was perfectly content with letting the night come to him in round 3.

Pick 66 (from NYJ): Kellen Mond – QB – Texas A&M

The 2nd round was a madhouse of trades but none of them involved the Vikings. Instead, Spielman sat patiently, ready to make a splash at pick #66, when he drafted a “quarterback of the future”, Kellen Mond of Texas A&M. QB’s were reportedly on Minnesota’s radar but to jump at Mond with their second pick took a lot of the fanbase by surprise and it left a lot of work for Rick Spielman the rest of the round.

Kellen is a guy who miffs a lot of draft experts because he has all of the tools and intangibles to be a really good quarterback but he seems to limit himself, often looking like the guy he will back up in Minnesota. His numbers are good but not great. He throws way more touchdowns than he does interceptions but he doesn’t throw very many of either…

He never threw more than ten interceptions in a season, while at Texas A&M, and only threw three total in 2020. But… those 3 interceptions only came with 19 touchdowns, which was the lowest since Kellen’s freshman year. His yards per attempt are pretty low too. He’s… safe.

Minnesota adds a QB ????

The Vikings select Texas A&M star Kellen Mond with the No. 66 pick in the #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/yLLFQoVPJ5

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) May 1, 2021

The reviews across the draft community on the Mond pick are mixed but none are bad. The Vikings wanted a mid-round QB and they got one in the mid-rounds.

Sporting News: B+

The Vikings were a good bet to stash a cerebral dual-threat passer behind Kirk Cousins at some point and came through with Mond, an experienced college starter who can be special if he can develop his mechanics and arm strength to go with his short accuracy and athleticism. Minnesota can reasonably get out of Cousins’ contract in 2022.

Bleacher Report: C

When watching Kellen Mond, the highs were extremely high, while the lows bordered on cringeworthy. His impressive 19-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio as a senior is both a positive and negative. Mond prefers the short to intermediate areas of the field. More often than not, he’ll shy away from pushing the ball downfield. When vertical attempts are made, they’re often misplaced or mistimed. The approach borders on oxymoronic, because Mond displays legitimate arm talent with some “wow” throws. Yet he primarily projects as a risk-averse game-manager with the added benefit of creating some with his feet.

The Athletic: B

Mond started 44 games, completed 59 percent of his passes and threw 71 touchdowns with 27 interceptions. He also ran for 1,608 yards and 22 scores. Mond has tools — a strong arm and athleticism — to work with. He can begin his career as Kirk Cousins’ backup and eventually compete for a starting role. There’s nothing wrong with the Vikings taking a shot on Mond’s upside here.

Walter Football: B+

Kellen Mond’s accruacy is a concern, but he’s a strong-armed quarterback with plenty of upside. Kirk Cousins is overrated and overpaid, so he doesn’t seem like he can consistently lead the Vikings deep into the playoffs. The Vikings will be hoping that Mond can overtake him in 2022, which will allow Minnesota to get out of Cousins’ albatross of a contract.

CBS Sports: B+

Prudent selection. Mond went from scrambling QB to a pure pocket passer in college. Athleticism is there too. Average arm but works it well at the intermediate level. Not loads of potential though.  Good Kirk Cousins insurance.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan