Two Pitt Players Selected in Recent Seven-Round NFL Mock Draft

It is that time of year where National Football League mock drafts take over with less than a month from the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisc.

Several Pitt players are hoping to get their names called this year, but in one of the latest seven-round mock drafts, just two Pitt players were tabbed to get selected.

Matt Miller of ESPN slated tight end Gavin Bartholomew and offensive tackle Branson Taylor to go in the sixth round of the draft in his most recent 257-pick mock draft.

Bartholomew is projected to go 206th overall to the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round, while Taylor was selected a few picks later at No. 210 by the Baltimore Ravens.

During Pitt pro day, Bartholomew noted that he has met with the Bills, along with the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and a list of other zoom meetings.

Bartholomew was measured at 6-foot-4, 249 pounds and recorded 16 reps on the bench press, a 36 1/2-inch vertical jump, 6.91-second three-cone drill and 4.20 shuttle.

“For the most part, I PR’d in everything. I would say here was probably a little better. I was more relaxed, here with the guys. Home turf definitely helped a little bit. I had some preparation with Darius the quarterback,” Bartholomew said.

While the Schuykill Haven, Pa. native worked out at the NFL combine where he posted a 4.70 40-yard dash, he wanted another opportunity to showcase his play style in front of scouts.

“That I’m a hard work and embraced the city’s blue-collarness. I’m going to play through the whistle and I’m not afraid of contact. I’ll run through someone when I get the ball. When I get the ball, when I do have those opportunities, I’;m going to make the most of it. In the run game, I’m a dominate run blocker and I pride myself in that, so just showing them that,” Bartholomew said.

For Taylor, he was in Indianapolis, Ind. for the combine, but did not work out as he was still working back from a season-ending injury he suffered against Cal.

At the pro day, he measured at 6-foot-6, 315 pounds with a 5.26 unofficial 40-yard dash, 7.34-second three-cone and 4.62 shuttle. He also added 25 reps on the bench press.

“I’m feeling great,” Taylor said following his pro day performance. “About four-and-a-half months after surgery. Feeling good as new. 100 percent.”