The Vikings could use that type of after-catch punch.
Last season, they averaged just 4.9 yards after catch per completion, near the bottom of the league (though the differential from top to bottom is only 2.5 yards), according to Pro Football Reference. Running back Aaron Jones led offensive contributors with 20 or more receptions with an average of 8.4 yards after catch. Oliver had the next most (6.1), and Mundt had the fourth-most (5.1).
Bartholomew averaged 6.9 yards after catch at Pitt, finishing three seasons with a 6.3 or better average.
As with most collegiate tight ends nowadays, blocking will be a place for continued improvement for Bartholomew at the pro level.
Narduzzi said he’s increasingly recruiting oversized wide receivers who convert to tight ends at the college level. But they have to have the courage to block before they can even start nailing the fundamentals.
Bartholomew, Narduzzi said, has the courage, and took a big step forward in the fundamentals last season working with a new position coach.