The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Pittsburgh tight end Gavin Bartholomew plans on taking full advantage. Bartholomew recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Bartholomew also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his favorite aspects of playing tight end, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Bartholomew better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Gavin Bartholomew: I was actually at my house. Coach [Pat] Narduzzi called me and gave me the great news. I had set goals for myself going into this season, and one of those goals was to get that Senior Bowl invite. It’s a great opportunity for me to showcase my talent, my ability.
I was as happy as could be when I got the invite. It meant all of the hard work I had put in throughout the season paid off.
JM: That sounds like a special moment. What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Gavin Bartholomew: I feel like the Senior Bowl is the biggest pre-draft stage for me to highlight my abilities. I want to help myself reach the next level. The Senior Bowl does a great job showcasing and promoting the players in attendance. I’m ready to compete in front of all 32 teams.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Gavin Bartholomew: I want to prove that I’m a big, physical tight end. I’m going to do whatever it takes to get on the field. I’m explosive and dangerous when I get the ball in my hands. I have a lot to prove in Mobile.
JM: You’re super versatile. How would you write your own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us.
Gavin Bartholomew: I’m big, tall, and physical. I know how to use my hands. I find green grass as a route-runner. I know where to sit in soft zones to make myself available in the passing game. I’m a ball hawk. I also like to think of myself as dominant in the run game. I love being physical at the line of scrimmage by finishing blocks. I create holes for my running backs.
JM: You certainly did a lot of run blocking at Pittsburgh. Are you going to Mobile to prove you can be a bigger asset in the passing game?
Gavin Bartholomew: For sure I am. I feel like I did a great job establishing myself as a run blocker this past season. I would have liked to put more passing-game stuff on tape, so that’s something I’m hoping to further showcase at the Senior Bowl.
JM: You have untapped potential as a pass-catcher. What’s your favorite route to run?
Gavin Bartholomew: I don’t necessarily have a favorite route to run. I’d probably say a corner or a sail route if I had to choose a couple, something up the middle, maybe a seam route. Something that allows me to high-point the ball and show off my ability and my size advantage. I have the speed needed to win in the passing game.
JM: We love that. If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL tight end, who would you choose and why?
Gavin Bartholomew: I’d probably go with George Kittle or Sam LaPorta. I feel like both of those guys do a great job in the run game, but they’re also threats as pass catchers. I love those dual-threat tight ends. That’s what it takes to be a true tight end. They’re not too heavy on the pass, or too heavy on the run. They do both at a high level. I see myself doing both as well.
JM: Any players you’d love to swap jerseys with at the next level?
Gavin Bartholomew: Nobody in particular. I definitely want to swap jerseys with some of the guys I played with at Pitt. Seeing the older guys that came through the program, I’ve looked up to every single one of them. They’ve all had an impact on me and helped me get where I am in my career. I hope I get a chance to play with them or against them someday.
JM: Who are some of those guys?
Gavin Bartholomew: Lucas Krull is definitely one of those guys. He was the senior tight end when I came in. He helped me develop and get on the field. He took me under his wing like a brother. I’m forever thankful.
Kenny [Pickett] is another guy I’d love to swap jerseys with. He was throwing me the ball during my freshman year. He definitely taught me a lot about the game of football. I was a young freshman. He opened my eyes. I would definitely single out those guys.
JM: That’s awesome. Fun question before we let you go. What’s on Gavin Bartholomew’s pre-game playlist?
Gavin Bartholomew: A little bit of rock and a little bit of rap. Honestly, sometimes I just zone out and listen to whatever is playing in the stadium. I like to get into a mood, a mindset. I’m already locked in on game day. I don’t need music to get me pumped up, but it’s always nice to have.
JM: This has been outstanding. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Gavin Bartholomew?
Gavin Bartholomew: It means I did everything to the best of my ability. It means I left everything out there. I want to show coaches and GMs that I’m somebody they want on their team. I’m always going to put my best foot forward.
