Who can take over TE2 spot for LA Rams after losing TE Johnny Mundt?

You may not view the loss of tight-end Johnny Mundt for the remainder of the 2021 NFL season in the same way that LA Rams head coach Sean McVay views the loss. That’s okay. McVay is not a Fantasy Football team owner looking for a player who can score more touchdowns and catch more passes than any other tight end in the NFL.

McVay is more interested in versatility, in blocking, and in the players who are willing to sacrifice themselves over and over again so that other players on the team can wind up on Fantasy Football team rosters. It’s the mindset of coaches that compels them to look for team players, not FF stars when building a roster.

Now, the LA Rams need a blocking tight end, someone the team can rely upon when the going gets tough. A player who sees as much value in team success as in personal accomplishments. Tight end Johnny Mundt is gone for the season.

So what do the Rams need in his replacement?

Who are you, Johnny Mundt?

Well, the first step is to define the role Johnny Mundt played on the LA Rams offense. Mundt is a diverse, multi-role duct tape type of player for McVay’s offense. He can play in a running back, power back, fullback, H-back, Y-back, tight end, split end, and even wideout spot.  While he doesn’t carry the football, he does block from virtually anywhere, from defensive backs to linebackers, to defensive linemen.

He will catch an occasional pass as well. Over the past four seasons, the Rams have thrown to him 13 times for 10 catches, 93 yards, and three first downs.  Mundt has been used as the misdirection receiver, the guy who is thrown to in order to deceive the defense in the past. That role was unlikely in 2021, as the team has a full stable of wide receivers who can be used to redirect the focus of the defense.

But the Rams may not need to stick with a blocker-only role. What options does the team have on the existing roster?