Report: Patriots May Have Already Decided Which QB They Will Draft

The New England Patriots need to solve their quarterback issue in the upcoming draft. According to recent sources, the Patriots will get their franchise QB early in the 2021 NFL Draft. Cam Newton signed a one-year deal with the team. The nature of his contract gives us every right to believe that Bill Belichick will place a younger quarterback right next to him. The rookie will spend an entire year learning from the 2015 NFL MVP.

There’s also a great chance for the Patriots to trade up in the draft to get a top quarterback prospect. New England has contacted Texas A&M star Kellen Mond. Is he the next Patriots signal-caller?

“We’ve got to set up some type of meeting,” Mond said in his recent interview with Jim McBride of the Boston Globe. “They’re starting to do formal meetings, like interview-style. Senior Bowl, it was more very formal, like, ‘Hello Kellen Mond, tell me about you.’ And then now it’s gotten more deeper into football. So that should be good.”

The 211-pounder stands 6-foot-2. Dane Brugler from The Athletic discussed his excellent arm strength, smooth athleticism, and coachability.

Patriots to get underrated QB in the 2021 NFL Draft

Mond would be an excellent understudy for Newton. If he plays well, Belichick will put him under center in 2022. There’s a strong link between Mond and the Patriots. A recent Pats’ Pulpit mock draft from Pat Lane suggests that the Patriots will go up in the second round to get Mond.

Brugler compared Mond to Colin Kaepernick. However, he also mentioned his inconsistent ball placement.

“A four-year starter at Texas A&M, Mond spent one season in Kevin Sumlin’s offense before head coach Jimbo Fisher brought his spread, pro-style scheme to College Station. He leaves as the school’s all-time leader in passing yards (9,661), completions (801), attempts (1,358), passing touchdowns (71) and total offense (11,269). Mond has impressive highlights with his ability to rip off beautiful throws downfield or extend plays with his legs. However, his lowlights are red flags, staying laser-locked on his targets and struggling to pick up pressures. Overall, Mond is in the Colin Kaepernick mold with his lean, angular frame, strong arm and long-striding athleticism, but his ball placement, timing and decision-making lack consistency. His natural tools will push him up several draft boards.”

Mond spent one year in pro-style offense. Brugler mentioned that the young quarterback “takes hard coaching without losing his cool demeanor.” This is really important in the world of football. Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels have strict rules and a tough rulebook. Mond may be the perfect quarterback to work with these two.