Vikings Roster Countdown: No. 86 Johnny Mundt — Drops One Spot on Depth Chart

Mundt is no longer the Vikings' No. 2 tight end, but he'll still provide valuable depth.

Author:
Will Ragatz
Publish date:
Jul 13, 2023 5:38 PM EDT

In this story:

Ahead of the Vikings' 2023 training camp beginning in late July, we'll be taking a look at every player on the 90-man roster, counting down from 99 to 0 (excluding the UDFAs, who we already profiled). For every player, we'll look at the best and worst-case scenarios and their realistic outlook for the upcoming season.

No. 86: Johnny Mundt, TE

Age: 28 | Size: 6'4", 233

Oct 30, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt (86) reacts with fullback C.J. Ham (30) after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second first at U.S. Bank Stadium. — Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings signing Josh Oliver this offseason dropped Johnny Mundt one spot down the depth chart at tight end, but he'll still provide valuable depth as their No. 3 option at the position.

Signed by the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon in 2017, Mundt's blocking ability is the main reason why he's entering his seventh NFL season. He spent five years with the Rams, appearing in 47 games with just three starts and ten receptions. The most offensive snaps he saw came in 2019, when he played 213. Mundt also became an important special teams player in Los Angeles — another reason he's stuck around in the league.

Last year, Mundt followed Kevin O'Connell and Wes Phillips from LA to Minnesota and got the biggest opportunity of his career. He started 12 games, appeared in all 17, and played 445 offensive snaps as the Vikings' No. 2 tight end (first alongside Irv Smith Jr., then T.J. Hockenson). Mundt easily set career highs in receptions (19) and yards (140) and caught his first NFL touchdown pass in a Week 8 win over the Cardinals.

Best-case scenario: Mundt is very clearly behind Hockenson and Oliver on the depth chart, but he could still play 100-200 snaps and be ready for more work if one of the two misses time. He also figures to see an elevated role on special teams this year.

Worst-case scenario: It seems unlikely, but maybe Mundt could get surpassed by one of the Vikings' young TEs (Nick Muse and Ben Sims).

Outlook for 2023: Mundt signed a two-year deal with the Vikings last offseason, so this may be his last year with the franchise. He won't see the same usage he enjoyed last season barring an injury to Hockenson or Oliver, but his roster spot and role feel secure. He's the No. 3 tight end and a special teams asset.

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