49ers quarterback search: 3 backups who can help Jimmy Garoppolo

No. 1: Kellen Mond, Texas A&M

Even if the Niners fully commit to Jimmy Garoppolo in 2021, either because they want to or because there aren’t any other legitimate options, they should still heavily target at least one promising quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft this April.

If options in Rounds 1 or 2 aren’t overly enticing, going for some third-round prospects wouldn’t be a bad idea.

San Francisco 49ers

And few have seen their stock levels improve as much as Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond.

Mond impressed enough at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl, earning MVP honors for the game after going 13-of-25 for 173 yards and two touchdowns with receivers with whom he had zero rapport until the week’s practices. While Mond might not have a cannon for an arm and is generally limited to seeing just one half of the field, he did cut down on his tendency to scramble when plays broke down in 2020, although that’s still a weapon. And Mond going from nine interceptions thrown in 2019 to just three picks tossed last year, all the while keeping consistent with his touchdown passes, is a good indicator he improved protecting the ball.

Prior to the Senior Bowl, Mond likely would have been a day-three pick. But after his latest on-field performance, there’s a good chance he earns third-round consideration where the Niners will land a compensatory selection.

Using a Round 3 pick on a potential riser at quarterback wouldn’t be a bad investment at all from San Francisco’s vantage point. Mond would have something to prove. And at the very least, he could push someone like Garoppolo.

And if Mond doesn’t pan out, few would complain too much about the use of a third-round pick on him.