Under-the-Radar Pass-Catcher Is Poised to Make Some Noise in Week 1 of Vikings' Preseason

Don't be surprised if this second-year playmaker generates some buzz against the Giants.

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell likely has high hopes for this offensive playmaker heading into Saturday's preseason clash with the Giants. | USA TODAY Sports

It's safe to say that Vikings tight end Gavin Bartholomew didn't have an ideal start to his NFL career. After being a sixth-round pick of the Vikings during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pitt standout suffered a back injury that held him out of action for his entire rookie season, leaving him under the radar when the current offseason began.

Fast forward to this summer, when Bartholomew is thriving during the Vikings' training camp. The 6-foot-5, 249-pound Pennsylvania native is making a great case for earning the third tight end spot on the 53-man roster for the upcoming season.

Ben Yurosek, Bryson Nesbit, and Marshall Lang are all fighting for a tight end spot this season as well, but a solid performance during the preseason opener against the Giants could go a long way for Bartholomew.

Gavin Bartholomew can solidify his Vikings role with strong performance vs. Giants

At only 23 years old, Bartholomew has a bright future ahead of him with the Vikings. If training camp is any indication of his potential, watching him high-point passes and haul in difficult catches could help him earn a role for head coach Kevin O'Connell this season.

On Saturday, Vikings fans will want to keep an eye on Bartholomew against the Giants during the Purple and Gold's Week 1 exhibition game. He is in line to see the field as part of the offense and special teams, where he will have an opportunity to cement a role with the squad.

Gavin Bartholomew seems poised to hit the ground running if his strong Vikings training camp performance is any indication. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With his excellent training camp performance so far, Bartholomew doesn't need to have an amazing preseason performance to impress the coaching staff. He is already showing that he is ready to contribute; the only question is where he will be used and how often.

During his 50 games at Pitt, Bartholomew caught 105 passes for 1,257 yards and 11 touchdowns. That production, combined with his size and determination, should have everyone excited to watch him take the field this weekend. Still, the Giants were solid against TEs last season, allowing the 10th-fewest receiving yards and seventh-fewest yards to the position.

In his draft prospect profile on NFL.com, Bartholomew's blocking was praised for being "aggressive," and the site noted that he will likely be an in-line blocker at the NFL level despite having soft hands and a solid catch radius. It wasn't an eye-popping performance; however, the 52.7 run block grade he earned on Pro Football Focus in his final collegiate season was a career-high mark.

After not seeing Bartholomew take the field as a rookie, it is exciting to see what he will be capable of during Week 1 of the preseason. Hopefully, he can continue to build on an excellent training camp and force the Vikings to find a role for him this season.

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