Former Vikings draft bust to start in Hall of Fame Game on Thursday

Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kellen Mond is scheduled to start for the Cleveland Browns during the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday against the New York Jets.

Less than two years after he was selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings felt it was best to move on from quarterback Kellen Mond last summer. Luckily for Mond, he was able to quickly land a job with the Cleveland Browns after getting cut by the Vikings.

Mond is currently still a member of the Browns, and on Thursday, he's scheduled to start under center in the 2023 Hall of Fame Game when the team takes on the New York Jets in an exhibition matchup.

Cleveland head coach (and former Minnesota offensive coordinator) Kevin Stefanski announced earlier this week that Mond will play the entire first half against the Jets on Thursday.

Kellen Mond one of multiple former Minnesota Vikings who could play in the 2023 Hall of Fame Game on Thursday

Mond isn't the only former Vikings player that could get some snaps during Thursday night's exhibition contest between the Browns and the Jets.

In addition to the 24-year-old quarterback, other former Minnesota players that are currently on Cleveland's roster include offensive lineman Colby Gossett, defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, and defensive end Za'Darius Smith. Gossett likely has the best chance to get some significant snaps on Thursday, while the Browns will probably keep Tomlinson and Smith on the sidelines to avoid injury.

The Browns' staff also has plenty of Vikings connections in addition to Stefanski. Cleveland pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach Chad O'Shea, senior offensive assistant Bill Musgrave, and cornerbacks coach Brandon Lynch have all spent time with Minnesota during their coaching careers.

Over on New York's sideline, the former Vikings players currently on their roster include tight end Tyler Conklin, defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo, linebacker Chazz Surratt, and cornerback Craig James. Everyone from this group except for Conklin will likely see some action against Cleveland during Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.

The NFL's annual preseason opener is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. CST on Thursday, and it will be televised on NBC.