EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings added to their tight ends room with their final pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Minnesota selected Pittsburgh tight end Gavin Bartholomew with the 202^nd overall pick, just one spot after tabbing linebacker Kobe King at 201.

"I've dreamed of this since I was a little kid," Bartholomew told Twin Cities media members via videoconference. "I'm kind of at a loss for words right now, really. All my hard work finally paid off, and I couldn't be happier to be with the Vikings. I can't wait to get to work."

Bartholomew started all 13 games he played for the Panthers last season, earning Honorable Mention All-ACC honors. He totaled 38 catches for 322 yards (8.5 average) and four touchdowns, two of which were scored at Boston College.

Here are five things to know about the Vikings new tight end:

1. He's a youngin'

Though he didn't leave Pitt early, Bartholomew didn't turn 22 years old until last Wednesday.

The tight end was just 17 years old and "probably a little bit of a jerk" when he started his collegiate career, he told Trib Live.

Bartholomew, who was voted a season-long team captain as a senior, said the following about finishing all four years at Pittsburgh:

"With [Pat Narduzzi] as my head coach, I've learned so much about myself and the game of football. I developed and matured as a player and as a true tight end. It helped me get to the next level."

2. Played multiple positions (like, 4)

It isn't uncommon for high school athlete to play multiple positions on the football roster, especially manning both sides of the ball (receiver and cornerback, for instance).

But when it comes to Bartholomew, he had all three phases of the game covered.

During his time at Blue Mountain High School (Pennsylvania), he played tight end, defensive end, punter and — during his senior season — even quarterback. He led the team in receiving as a junior, logging 27 catches for 527 yards and five touchdowns.

Bartholomew started at QB for his final five games at Blue Mountain. That season, he threw four touchdown passes, rushed for three, caught two and returned an interception 35 yards for a defensive touchdown.

3. Overlapped with Addison

As a freshman at Pitt, Bartholomew overlapped with Vikings receiver Jordan Addison, who started his college career there before transferring to USC.

Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said Addison, who is typically reserved, "lit up" when asked about Bartholomew prior to the draft.

The rookie tight end also has familiarity with Vikings right tackle and fellow Panthers alum Brian O'Neill, whom he said reached out after Minnesota drafted him.

"[Brian] has come back to the team and talked to us, and I've had some side conversations. You know, he actually texted me just a little bit ago," Bartholomew said after his selection. "I'm looking forward to talking to him and building that relationship, as well."

4. Recognized for community work

Bartholomew was named to the 2023 Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team, which recognizes college football student-athletes for their dedication to community service and the positive impact they've made on others.

From a nationwide pool of 136 nominees, 22 are selected annually for the team.

Bartholomew teamed up with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to collect food for underserved families throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania, then personally delivered the meal. He visited Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center, serving as an ambassador at the 2023 Children's Home of Pittsburgh Gala, and on multiple occasions has served as a "buddy" for a Special Olympics athlete at the Tim Tebow Foundation's "Night to Shine" prom.

Bartholomew's additional community efforts while at Pittsburgh have included patient visits at the local VA Medical Center, leading a blood donation drive and helping to host Make-A-Wish children at the Panthers football facility.

5. Aspires to follow Kittle track

Bartholomew's receiving game stats certainly weren't off the charts at the college level, but he's continued to improve that part of his game and hopes to make an impact as a duel-threat tight end.

"I've really worked on my top-end speed to get that separation and break away from defenders," he told Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

He's also looked up to All-Pro tight end George Kittle, who's an incredible threat in the passing game but actually had fewer college career receiving yards than Bartholomew (1,257 in 50 games to 737 in 40 games).

"He's someone I've always watched," Bartholomew said. "He prides himself in the run game, and I try to dominate in that. He's a big threat in the pass game, and I think of myself as a playmaker."