2021 NFL Draft spotlight: Rondale Moore, Kellen Mond pose problems

Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore and Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond are among the players in the 2021 NFL Draft spotlight this weekend.

This week’s Draft Spotlight is all about matchups. These prospects could benefit from some good tape and their opponents this week are terrific matchups. For Purdue’s diminutive dynamo Rondale Moore, Jr., this is an opportunity to prove the leg injury that kept delayed the start of his season is completely healed.

Kellen Mond needs a makeup game after his worst performance of the season last week against LSU. In Mond’s defense, the Aggies had a COVID-19 issue that limited their ability to practice, and two of their games (Tennessee and Mississippi) were canceled. The rust was apparent. The Aggies game against Auburn gives Mond and opportunity to show his progression against a solid defense.

Shaka Toney has gotten lost in the shuffle a bit because of Penn State’s struggles this season. Toney gets to sink his teeth into a Rutgers offensive line that is not very good. If the Nittany Lions can slow the run game, Toney will have ample pass-rush opportunities. If it seems as if the Miami Hurricanes have not played in a while, it is because they have not. The Hurricanes have not played since mid-November and sometimes out of sight out of mind.

2021 NFL Draft prospects to keep a close eye on this weekend

Rondale Moore, Purdue, WR (1st Round)

Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore was out longer than anticipated. Now that the redshirt sophomore is back, Purdue’s offense has looked good with Moore in the lineup. Moore had 15 catches in his first game back. Moore has yet to score a touchdown this season. This week against Nebraska is an opportunity to put on some good tape. The Cornhuskers are 91st in scoring defense this season. Ohio State and Penn State torched Nebraska and in the passing game. The Huskers’ pass rush has been ineffective, giving Moore and the passing game to shine. Expect Moore to have a breakout game and score his first touchdown against a poor Nebraska pass defense.

Kellen Mond, Texas A&M, QB (4th Round)

Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond is maddening to watch as a prospect. Mond has every trait scouts look for in the modern NFL. Mond has the pro-caliber arm strength and next-level athleticism. Mond was considered a limiting factor for the Aggies coming into this season but has shown remarkable progression in year two under Jimbo Fisher. Mond could thrive at the next level in a tempo-style RPO offense. The Auburn game is an opportunity for Mond to play well against a traditionally solid defensive team and make up for last week’s game against LSU where the rust of not playing was evident.

Shaka Toney, Penn State, DE/OLB (3rd Round)

When you play on a team that is 1-5, your name can get lost. However, Toney has played well in spots for the Nittany Lions. The redshirt defensive end logged seven tackles and two sacks against Indiana and five tackles and two sacks against Iowa, both losses. Toney did struggle against Ohio State and Michigan’s superior offensive lines. Toney has the opportunity to put on some good tape against Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights look significantly better this season than last but still struggle along the offensive line. Rutgers is 52nd in the country in sacks allowed. If the Knights get behind and have to throw a lot to catch up, that could mean opportunities for Toney.

Quincy Roche, Miami, DE/OLB (1st-2nd Round)

Miami defensive end Quincy Roche’s draft position is set. The Temple graduate transfer is one of the elite pass rushers in this draft even without ideal size. Miami’s COVID-19 issues have kept Roche off of television and their game against Duke should be an opportunity to show everyone how talented a pass rusher he is. Though the sack numbers are down (2.5) Roche has spent a lot of time in the backfield this season with 11 tackles for loss. What scouts love about Roche is his room to grow. Many believe that Roche has the frame to put on weight without losing the burst and twitch he plays with.

For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.