Dec 8, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleats worn by Minnesota Vikings defensive finish Hercules Mata’afa (51) previous to the sport towards the Detroit Lions at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Keep in mind tight finish Gavin Bartholomew? The Pittsburgh alumnus received snagged within the sixth Spherical of the 2025 NFL Draft however spent his total rookie season within the infirmary on account of harm.
Wholesome finally, Bartholomew is making a optimistic impression.
Think about the replace on the Vikings younger fella courtesy of Alec Lewis of The Athletic: “Semi-random Vikings camp takeaway, but I thought TE Gavin Bartholomew looked really good. Made two impressive over the middle catches. Moved well. First time really seeing him out there after back injury happened last year.”
Vikings Younger Fella Shines Early
Since August hasn’t but arrived, the entire fringe roster gamers have a protracted solution to go earlier than absolutely securing a job. Bartholomew isn’t going to be any completely different, however there’s one thing to be stated for beginning sturdy.
Final yr, Minnesota leaned on TE1 T.J. Hockenson and TE2 Josh Oliver for hearty workloads. More often than not, the TE3 was Ben Yurosek, the UDFA tight finish with nice hustle as a blocker. There was then a flip towards Nick Vannett and Ben Sims when there was a want for extra assist. C.J. Ham wasn’t a fullback however he was a rugged man who might do soiled work when there was a want for some added meanness.
On Aug 16, 2025, at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota Vikings tight finish Nick Vannett (45) gained yards after a reception towards the New England Patriots within the second quarter. The veteran goal showcased his capability to contribute within the passing recreation in the course of the preseason matchup, giving Minnesota an alternative choice on the place as roster evaluations continued. Obligatory Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Photos.
As issues stand, the TE hierarchy might look as follows:
TE1 T.J. Hockenson
TE2 Josh Oliver
TE3/4 Ben Yurosek
TE3/4 Gavin Bartholomew
TE5 Bryson Nesbit
TE6 Marshall Lang
Complicating issues is the presence of rookie fullback Max Bredeson. He seems to be like a pleasant piece of the puzzle since he received moved round a lot at Michigan. In truth, the parents at PFF graded him as a decent finish since he earned so many snaps in that spot. Do the Vikings decide for the same technique? In that case, then that muddies the water a bit for the depth tight ends.
Try what Lance Zierlein needed to say in his pre-draft scouting report: “Tight end prospect with a broad upper body, muscular arms and adequate demeanor to block. Bartholomew will primarily function as an in-line tight end but can be set in action as a move blocker when needed. He’s unspectacular as an athlete with soft hands and an average catch radius. His block aggression is admirable, but Bartholomew will need to get stronger and improve his block sustain to make a roster.”
Dropping a season is much from ultimate. What would however be encouraging is that if Gavin Bartholomew discovered a solution to start addressing the shortcomings in his recreation.
At minimal, the sophomore needs to be coming again with understanding of the scheme. Spending a season specializing in the psychological element of issues has the potential of permitting him to play quick since he had a lot runway to digest the vocabulary, grind movie, and so forth. Plus, he’s been capable of sit again and watch a pair of nice vets in Hockenson and Oliver go to work.
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pittsburgh tight finish Gavin Bartholomew (TE02) participates in drills in the course of the 2025 NFL Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photos
Subsequent up for him goes to be capability to do the little issues properly. Being a monster on specials could be a pleasant enhance, particularly if he’s able to each blocking and tackling. Matt Daniels might then insert the good-sized Vikings younger fella with regularity.
In the meantime, Kevin O’Connell will need any individual who competes like a madman when it comes time to dam. Doing so will maintain the protection sincere because it has to respect a decent finish who can bully linebackers and/or defensive backs within the floor recreation.
And, to make sure, there’s room for catching a move or two. No person expects the child to be Steve Jordan. If he’s, then that’s a pleasant bonus however one thing that might solely be confirmed over a number of years. The main focus for the current second rests in doing the little issues properly.
Gavin Bartholomew, 23, stands at 6’5″ and weighs 250 kilos. He was a teammate of Jordan Addison in college.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Electronic mail: ok.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
