Panthers 2021 Draft: What does Matt Rhule see in Kellen Mond?
By Dean Jones
What the Carolina Panthers see in Kellen Mond
Matt Rhule loves hard workers who care about their craft. The higher the character, the more chance they’ll have of making a name for themselves in a professional environment and this was one of the big factors in the Carolina Panthers taking Auburn’s defensive tackle Derrick Brown at No. 7 overall in 2020.
A move that didn’t work out too badly at all.
While it’s unrealistic to expect Mond to have the same sort of impact Brown did as a rookie, if the Panthers want to get someone into the organization with scope to progress as part of their long-term plan, then the quarterback should enter the conversation as a mid-round pick.
Taking him any higher than this would be a reach, which is not out of the question if a team falls in love with the player during their assessment.
Much will depend on whether the Panthers can pull off a bombshell deal for Deshaun Watson or another veteran quarterback before NFL Draft weekend this spring, which would be a franchise-altering move but one they appear intent on making if their offer for Matthew Stafford is any indication.
Mond is easy to coach thanks to his strong work ethic and cerebral approach to the game. This is something Rhule loves from his players and if he did end up on the Panthers later this year, nobody would be raising too many eyebrows considering how much he impressed the former Baylor man at the Senior Bowl.