Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms on Pro Football Talk Live offered his take on which two NFL draft prospects at quarterback make the most sense for the 49ers. One name, Alabama’s Mac Jones, has been tied to San Francisco and isn’t a huge surprise to see come up. The other name, Texas A&M’s Kellen Mond, is more intriguing.
Jones has received Kirk Cousins comparisons by some draft analysts because of his ability to adhere to the offense. None of his physical traits shine through, but he has plenty of arm and while he’s not a threat with his legs, he can navigate the pocket well enough. Last season he was a Heisman Finalist for the Crimson Tide after completing 77.4 percent of his throws for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns and just four interceptions.
If the 49ers want to pick a quarterback early, a player like Jones feels like a safe pick.
Mond’s path to the draft was much different, and his skill set offers a much higher ceiling than someone like Jones.
He was a four-year starter for the Aggies, but never put up monster numbers. His best year was his sophomore campaign when he completed 57.3 percent of his throws for 3,107 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. For his career he posted a 59.0 percent completion rate with 71 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. Mond also racked up 22 touchdowns on the ground.
The ability to affect games with his legs is where Mond because so interesting.
In the modern NFL with players like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes who saw their accuracy improve once they were in the league, and who can use their legs effectively without being “running” quarterbacks, somebody like Mond will get plenty of looks because of his physical traits.
He’s the type of prospect who could benefit from working as a backup for a year while he gets acclimated to the NFL. That way when he does step in he can equip himself with his entire tool belt. If he tries to step in right away, some of the warts that impacted his productivity in college could start showing.
The 49ers are in a situation where they could add Mond perhaps on Day 2 of the draft, allow him to sit for a year, and then evaluate where they’re at next season. Perhaps he never grows into a top-end player, but he has the physical skills to do so in the right place. If San Francisco does wait until after the first round to scoop a QB, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they called Mond’s name.
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