The Vikings Announce Some Good News
For the most part, the Vikings have been working through bad news in 2025: J.J. McCarthy being hurt or ineffective, Justin Jefferson scrapping just to clear 1,000 yards, player injuries aplenty, and rumors of firing top leaders.
The most recent update is quite different.
Admittedly, the word arrives alongside the news of safety Josh Metellus being done for the season, so there’s a limit to the optimism. Even still, note that rookie tight end Gavin Bartholomew has a shot to return: “Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has announced that S Josh Metellus will be placed on IR and the team is opening the 21-day evaluation window for TE Gavin Bartholomew..”
The Vikings Could See Gavin Bartholomew in 2025
In the 2025 NFL Draft, Gavin Bartholomew was chosen at No. 202 (the 6th Round).
The 22-year-old tight end stands at 6’5″ and he weighs 249 pounds. Good size, but not hulking for an NFL tight end. He ran a 4.7 forty going into the draft, the identical time to T.J. Hockenson. Bartholomew’s path to playing time involves proving capable of being a tenacious, all-effort blocker on offense and a menace on special teams. Being able to catch the occasional pass would be the bonus.
The Vikings boast a ton of tight end talent at present.
The top option is Mr. Hockenson, someone who has come alive in recent weeks with a touchdown catch and more explosive gains. Continuing to be a trusted target for J.J. McCarthy will mean that the well-paid veteran has a decent shot of sticking around in the Twin Cities despite what is a tough cap situation.
Blocking bully Josh Oliver is the TE2, someone who gets leaned on to do a ton of dirty work. He’s a massive person; he stands out for his size even within the context of NFL football. Very few are as physically imposing as Oliver. The all-skill Vikings are happy to have his muscle.
There’s then Ben Sims and Ben Yurosek. The practice squad boasts Bryson Nesbit, as well. Oh, and this is all after Nick Vannett got stolen away by the Rams.
Check out the scouting report for Bartholomew.
“Tight end prospect with a broad upper body, muscular arms and adequate demeanor to block,” the NFL’s website declares. “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.”
The assessment contains a mixture of good and bad, clarifying why he went in the 6th rather than the 1st or 2nd.
In essence, Bartholomew has a decent build, athleticism, and willingness to block. He could stand to get more competitive with his blocking, though, while filling out his body. The rookie is just 22, so there’s plenty of meat left on the bone.
Ideally, Bartholomew will be able to develop his game in the practices he’s allowed to jump into as 2025 nears completion. Maybe there could be some game reps before the season ends.
The Vikings and Giants play on Sunday, December 20th. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.
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