Kellen Mond and Justin Jefferson Already Putting in Work

Brett Peterson |

May 11, 2021

Dec 6, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Kellen Mond and Justin Jefferson could be the future in Minnesota. Yes, Jefferson, unlike Mond, is already a for sure thing in the NFL. In Jefferson’s case, a rookie wide receiver couldn’t have asked for a more successful rookie campaign. Mond is still an unknown, but for the Viking’s sake, it would be nice if the third round quarterback was a home run selection. Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press was able to catch up with Justin Jefferson. The second team All-Pro had this to say,

#Vikings WR Justin Jefferson said he was working out in Miami during this offseason with Kellen Mond and now they're teammates. "I feel like he's going to be a good player on this team. … He has a very strong arm… I think he will be a great addition to this team.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) May 11, 2021

It’s awesome to hear that the two are already acquainted with each other, so hopefully that helps make a smooth transition into the season. Jefferson raved about Mond’s arm strength in the quote, in which many analysts were impressed with in the pre-draft process. If Mond is eventually going to be the future franchise quarterback, it certainly doesn’t hurt that the star wide receiver has already been working out with him.

Spring Drills

Justin Jefferson also mentioned that he would be in Minnesota on Monday for the start of off-season spring drills. There was some uncertainty about whether the team was going to participate. A few weeks ago, the players sent out a statement which indicated that a majority of the players would not attend until the NFL had a better health and safety protocol. Jefferson went on to say that, “most of the guys are attending, we thought it would be a good idea to get together and get that connection going again.” Per Tommasson. As many NFL players would agree, team chemistry is a very important factor in building a Super Bowl caliber team, so it’s a good thing that the Vikings have taken that into consideration.

The Mond/Jefferson Connection Could be Special

Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) looks downfield to pass against Arkansas during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

In a league where passing the ball is so vital to team success, it would be a very positive situation for the Vikings if Mond could put it all together in the NFL. If Mond was able to start and be successful early on his career, the Vikings could build around a very cheap quarterback, like the Kansas City Chiefs did early in Patrick Mahomes’ career. Having a superstar like Justin Jefferson doesn’t come around everyday. So the Vikings would be wise to see what Kellen Mond truly has capable in him. If the two could create a special connection, it would do wonders in the possibility of the Vikings lifting their first Lombardi Trophy.