The 2021 NFL Draft begins with Round 1 tonight, and as much as the prognosticators focus on metrics, measurements and the impacts for NFL franchises, by far the coolest part of this event is seeing these young men achieve something they have been working toward for essentially their entire lives: becoming a pro football player. While we don’t expect any Aggies to hear their names called tonight (though it’s not impossible), there are plenty of A&M players who will likely see their NFL dream come true before the weekend is over. Let’s take a look at their respective drafts prospects.

Kellen Mond, QB

Draft Projection: Round 2-3

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Even among Aggies, opinions are very split about Mond. His inconsistent play could be maddening, especially on the deep ball, but he was also a calming presence that helped lead Texas A&M to their highest finish in 50 years. Statistically, while his stats aren’t eye-popping, his completion percentage improved each of his four college seasons (starting at 51.5% in 2017 and rising to 63.3% in 2020), and his TD:INT ratio rose from an abysmal 4:3 as a freshman to 19:3 as a senior. He finishes as A&M’s career leader in total yards, passing yards and passing touchdowns, and is tied with Johnny Manziel for the lead in total touchdowns.

Kellen has always had the measurables, with good size, above average athleticism for the position and a strong arm. Add that in with a good Senior Bowl performance and he has risen on draft boards over the past few months, to the point that many expect him to be a second round pick, third round at the latest.

Bobby Brown, DT

Draft Projection: Rounds 3-5

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Many Ags may be surprised to see Brown listed down this far. If you’d asked me a year ago, I’d say that he would likely be a first or second rounder, and I don’t totally understand why he isn’t higher. His stats aren’t mind-blowing, but stats for DT often aren’t, and he didn’t have a bad season. Despite playing in two fewer games, he had more one additional tackle, five more sacks and and 5.5 more tackles for loss than in 2019. And at 6’4” and 325 pounds, nobody would accuse him of not having NFL size.

Brown may get drafted on day two or even day three, but in my opinion, whoever takes him will likely be getting a steal.

Dan Moore, OT

Draft projection: Rounds 5-7

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Left Tackle Dan Moore is likely to be the first of potentially four Maroon Goons to get drafted in the coming days. The A&M offensive line was the strength of the team in 2020, and Moore performed as well as anyone one the line. ESPN currently has Moore ranked as the 12th-best tackle in the draft. #Branding

Buddy Johnson, LB

Draft Projection: Rounds 5-7

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Johnson was the leader of the top defense in the SEC, solidifying a position that has been a point of consternation for Aggies for years. His biggest weakness may be speed, especially in the NFL where the linebacker positions is evolving more and more to be a safety/linebacker hybrid, but that didn’t stop him from leading A&M in tackles (37 more than the closest defender), tackles for loss and forced fumbles. He’s also bringing back the neckroll, and gets a draft bump for that alone.

SIXTH ROUND TO UNDRAFTED:

• Jhamon Ausbon, WR
• Cagan Baldree, FB
• Carson Green, OT
• Anthony Hines, LB
• Jared Hocker, OG
• Ryan McCollumn, OG

Here’s hoping all of these guys get picked up on the coming days. Gig ‘em, Ags.