2021 Senior Bowl: 5 Storylines and notable performances from the game

1. Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond Goes From Dud to Stud In Game

The Texas A&M Aggies quarterback in Kellen Mond had a fantastic finish to his long and successful collegiate career.

With his collegiate career over with, Mond wanted to attempt a legitimate shot for an NFL career. The biggest step he could make to create some momentum towards a professional career is the entire week of the 2021 Senior Bowl.

Mond had more down than up moments during the practice portions of the 2021 Senior Bowl. There were situations where Mond threw the ball well, but he showed multiple signs of inconsistencies.

It was difficult for him to completely shine in practices as he was on the same squad as Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones, whose stock had risen tremendously in the practice sessions.

With Jones listed as an emergency quarterback for the game on Saturday, it was all up to Mond and former Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Jamie Newman to lead the American Squad. From the beginning of the game, Mond started off looking rusty.

In the first quarter, Mond threw for 32 yards on only four completions out of 10 passing attempts. The offense for the American only accounted for 51 yards in the first quarter. Newman took over the entire second quarter as the offense only accounted for 19 yards.

It was a completely different game for the American Squad in the third quarter. Mond was more aggressive and consistent in his pass selection. In the third quarter, Mond threw for 141 yards and two touchdowns on seven completions out of 15 passing attempts.

Mond had solid scoring connections with Clemson slot receiver Amari Rodgers for 15-yards and Tennessee receiver Josh Palmer for 14-yards. The offense, under Mond’s leadership, accounted for 139 total yards and 16 points in the entire third quarter.

He finished the game with 173 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions on 13 completions (out of 25 passing attempts). Mond was never sacked by the aggressive defense of the National Squad while his teammate in Jamie Newman was sacked four times.

There were serious questions of Mond’s consistency and arm strength going into the 2021 Senior Bowl. While there were several questions still left unanswered, Mond was able to shed any criticism of his ability to lead an NFL-caliber offense.

There is still time for Mond to get better, watch the film from his Senior Bowl performance, and analyze himself before his Texas A&M Pro Day. He might have become a quarterback prospect who might have been overlooked undrafted quarterback to a potential early third-day selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.