3 Minnesota Vikings players trending towards draft bust status

Kellen Mond – QB

It was something of a surprise to see the Minnesota Vikings select Kellen Mond in the 2021 NFL Draft. This was done with development in mind and quarterback Kirk Cousins was made fully aware of the team’s plans to select who could have been the veteran’s successor.

To say Mond did not hit the ground running would be a huge understatement. There was little fanfare in training camp and Mike Zimmer’s decision to go with Sean Mannion as the Vikings’ primary backup more often than not was a damning indictment of how the Texas A&M product was adjusting to life at the next level.

What comes next for Mond is unclear.

Judging by comments from the incoming regime, it appears as if they’ll move forward with Cousins in 2021. Considering they weren’t around when the former third-round pick was brought on board, the primary decision-makers could have an alternative view on Mond’s chances of having a productive career.

Any pick inside the top-100 is seen as an investment by NFL teams. Mond might have only been taken at No. 66 overall – but there is no doubt Zimmer and Rick Spielman saw his skill set as one that could potentially emerge as the heir apparent to Cousins once his contract came to a conclusion.

Now, that is up in the air. And any moves to strengthen Minnesota’s options under center this offseason should tell us plenty about what the future holds for Mond.