As the 2021 NFL Draft gets closer, the Chicago Bears still don’t have a long-term solution at the quarterback position. The franchise did invest in veteran Andy Dalton this offseason but Dalton isn’t a long-term option. Rather, the 33-year-old quarterback is nothing more than a bridge option who’s going to buy the Bears time to figure out QB.
One name that’s been floated around recently is Texas A&M’s Kellen Mond. Not considered to be one of the top prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft, Mond’s film has many wondering: Should the Bears buy into the Mond hype and take him on day two or three of the 2021 NFL Draft as a developmental player?
Over the last few years, the NFL has seen guys like Dak Prescott and Gardner Minshew burst onto the scene after having been late-round draft picks. Many wonder if Mond could see a similar rise, as long as he ends up in the right situation.
Should the Chicago Bears buy into the Kellen Mond hype going into the draft?
The Bears front office knows their seat is hot heading into 2021. General manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy need to figure out QB and the NFL Draft clearly provides both with an opportunity one last time.
Mond is an intriguing prospect. For many, he’s considered to be a day two or three pick. However, had he been more consistent throughout his college career his stock would have risen significantly.
When watching Mond on film, one trait sticks out almost immediately and that is Poise. Regardless of the situation that is around him, he’s incredibly poised. This same trait should translate to the next level where he’ll be tasked with facing more complicated defenses.
Perhaps the biggest area where Mond needs to improve is his decision-making. The Bears are too familiar with how erratic decision-making by the quarterback can hold back an offense. Oftentimes, Mond is seen forcing balls into tight windows which is something that will hurt him in the NFL, especially since windows are significantly smaller compared to college.
In terms of production, Mond was pretty solid over a four-year period. He started 46 games, threw for 9661 yards, 71 touchdowns, and just 27 interceptions. He also completed 59 percent of his passes and averaged 7.1 yards per pass.
Overall, Mond is a prospect who is an average athlete and while his skillset allows him to be effective in the short and intermediate areas of the field as a thrower, his decision-making is what is truly holding him back.
It all comes down to whether or not Chicago believes they can fix Mond and his decision-making. Can he play faster? Those are two questions that will need to be answered. Right now, however, it’s hard to fully buy into him as a prospect.