Vikings Draft Profile: The QB Who Re-Wrote the Record Books in 2021
The Minnesota Vikings selected Kellen Mond in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. After a tumultuous rookie campaign that didn’t show a ton of promise, could Kwesi Adofo-Mensah look to take his own shot at a QB in the middle of this draft? In a class that doesn’t have a ton of strength at the top, maybe there could be a few hidden gems later on. One player that fits these criteria is the QB out of Western Kentucky, Bailey Zappe.
Statistics
- 2017 (10 Games): 150/266 (56.4%), 1548 yards, 5 TDs, 10 INTs
- 2018 (11 Games): 252/436 (57.8%), 2812 yards, 23 TDs, 13 INTs
- 2019 (12 Games): 357/560 (63.7%), 3811 yards, 35 TDs, 15 INTs
- 2020 (4 Games): 141/215 (65.6%), 1833 yards, 15 TDs, 1 INT
- 2021 (14 Games): 476/686 (69.4%), 5953 yards, 62 TDs, 11 INTs
Strengths
No, these statistics are not typos. Remember when we all assumed Joe Burrow’s 2019 season at LSU would be nearly untouchable from a statistical standpoint? Well, in 2021, Bailey Zappe really did break FBS records for both passing yards and touchdowns during his only year at Western Kentucky. As if that weren’t impressive enough, he completed nearly 70% of his passes along the way.
If you watch Bailey Zappe’s tape this is a guy that looks a lot like a young Drew Brees.
Now, given the fact that Brees played football for a quarter-century, this needs some contextualizing. When I say young Drew Brees, I mean the San Diego Chargers Drew Brees that was a very raw QB. Zappe does not have the strongest arm in the world, though he can push a 50-yarder when needed.
However, the accuracy, confidence, and poise that you want in an NFL QB are all there. Zappe consistently fit the ball into very tight windows even in an offense where he had to create just about all of the production.
All this happened even with some underwhelming receiving talent around him. In just one quarter against UTSA, his receivers had seven drops. If this track record says anything of his NFL potential, he should be coveted just as much as anyone else in this draft.
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Weaknesses
Western Kentucky may have leaned on Bailey Zappe’s arm to a massive extent during the 2021 season, and while it led to some great moments for the QB, it also caused him to fall into a few reckless tendencies. For better and for worse, Zappe is a gunslinger through-and-through. There isn’t a throw he doesn’t think he can’t complete thus leading to a few questionable decisions with the football.
Then, as aforementioned, Zappe’s arm strength is not terrific. This limits the playbook when he works best within 20 yards. He isn’t exactly what you would call a mobile QB, either. He can move his feet well up in the pocket, but the scrambles are few and far between, further limiting his effectiveness to a majority-pocket passer.
Lastly, it has to be taken into account that Zappe only has one year of FBS ball under his belt, and while he was in the FCS, there were certainly some rough moments. That single year at Western Kentucky provided one of the best statistical seasons we’ve ever seen, but Conference USA football still isn’t quite the top level of football that many of these prospects come from.
Bailey Zappe’s Role on the 2022 Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are pretty much set at QB1 in 2022 with the recent contract extension and no-trade clause given to Kirk Cousins. However, the backup position remains very much up in the air. Sean Mannion is around for now, but until he officially makes the team, the veteran remains nothing more than a camp competition arm.
As for Mond, he only suited up for a pair of games in 2021, and his own position on the roster is not guaranteed, either despite some positive remarks from new head coach Kevin O’Connell. If available with a Day Three pick, and he likely will be, the Vikings should certainly consider taking a flyer on Zappe for his upside.
