Gavin Bartholomew, TE, Pitt
Size:
Height: 6045
Weight: 246
Arm: 31 ⅜”
Hand: 9 ⅞”
Accomplishments:
All-ACC Honorable Mention (2021)
“Gavin Bartholomew projects as a depth piece in an NFL passing game with an immediate path to snaps due to his ability as an in-line blocker.”
Strengths:
First step
Strong hands
Athletic profile
IQ vs. zone
Run blocking
Concerns:
Suddenness
YAC
Fights the ball in the air at times
Film Analysis:
Primary an in-line (Y) tight end for the Pitt offense, Gavin Bartholomew projects as a depth piece in an NFL passing game with an immediate path to snaps due to his ability as an in-line blocker. He was a captain for the program and its top weapon at the TE position for multiple seasons.
Teams that desire a Y-TE to provide pop as a blocker in the ground game will prioritize Bartholomew over his ability in space at this point in time. As a blocker, Bartholomew does an excellent job of squaring up his opponents and engaging with force and technique. Consistently has shown the ability to engage and drive opponents away from gaps. Can relocate smaller or less nuanced run edge defenders and has no issue sticking his face in the mud against larger opponents as a puller or as the wham.
As a pass-catcher, Bartholomew is a fluid mover yet lacks the requisite route-running, hands, and burst to project as a featured weapon within an NFL offense at this point in his evaluation. Big body with an excellent first step to gain ground both off the snap and in space, but he tops out quickly and will fight the ball on arrival at times. Smart football player that understands soft spots in coverage and is quick to turn upfield in open grass. Love the way he approaches plays after the catch, where he fights for every yard despite his limitations to outrun defenders or make players miss in space. Good body control off the ground that showcases a potential for red zone and high leverage down volume down the line. Has experience running routes as an in-line target with his hand in the dirt, standing up in the slot, or from the backfield. Pitt also had packages of designated touches for Bartholomew in their playbook.
Overall, Bartholomew projects as a rotational piece in a tight end room whose path to snaps could come quickly due to his competitiveness and success as a blocker, along with his production and experience in space.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific Contributor
Written By: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Boston College (2024), Kent State (2024), Clemson (2024), Virginia (2024)
