6 biggest battles heading into Vikings 2022 training camp
By Adam Carlson
![MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 09: Ihmir Smith-Marsette #15 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 09: Ihmir Smith-Marsette #15 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fthevikingage-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1363642658-850x560-6a7652cf22d924d8013153f0ee2e92d192080862b1b42eb0f53df270d1c73a88.jpg)
Tight End #2
- Johnny Mundt vs. Ben Ellefson
Of all the positions on the Minnesota Vikings roster, the most questionable depth comes at tight end. The entire unit is full of unknowns, and that includes starter Irv Smith Jr. who can’t seem to stay healthy enough to stay on the field. His availability questions make the backup an even more important role this season.
The options aren’t amazing for the No. 2 tight end in Minnesota. There is former Rams undrafted free agent Johnny Mundt, who is 6’4 and an interesting target. In his five seasons, he has played in 47 games, starting three and only accumulated ten catches for 93 yards. He will likely get the all-purpose vote.
If blocking is what the Vikings are looking for out of their TE2, Ben Ellefson will likely be the man. Although he’s never had an NFL reception, his blocking ability is what sets him apart from both Smith and Mundt.
With the expectation that this new-look Minnesota team will be a more high-powered unit, odds are that Mundt will win this job. But that will all depend on how much the offensive line can be trusted to protect Kirk Cousins and open holes in the run game for Dalvin Cook.