2013 NFL Draft Projection: Ben Bartholomew To The Tennessee Titans
By Zach Ragan
August 31, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fullback Ben Bartholomew (39) reaches for extra yardage after a catch in the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at the Georgia Dome. Tennessee beat NC State 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Bartholomew – FB/TE – 6’2″/252
Ben Bartholomew is another Vol player, along with Darrington Sentimore and Zach Rogers, that is on the bubble when it comes to being drafted.
Bartholomew didn’t make much of a splash in the passing game during his time at Tennessee, finishing his Volunteer career with 17 career receptions for 156 yards and one touchdown. Most of that production came during his senior year, finishing with 11 receptions for 102 yards in 2012.
The lack of production is understandable when you’re playing behind the caliber of receivers that Bartholomew did the past couple of seasons.
During Bartholomew’s time at Tennessee he showed good versatility, he can line up in the backfield as a fullback or lineup as a tight end. The Nashville, TN native runs good routes and during Tennessee’s pro-day in March he showed off his hands, proving he’s a capable receiver.
Bartholomew also showed he had plenty of speed, running a 4.68 in the 40 at Tennessee’s pro-day.
If the former Vol ends up being drafted, he won’t be a pick that fans are talking about, but he could end up as a solid special teams contributor and add depth to the tight end/fullback position for a team.
Where do we think Bartholomew will be drafted?
We think that Bartholomew will be taken with the 248th overall pick in the 7th round by the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans need to add some depth at the tight end position, as Jared Cook signed with the Rams this off-season. The Titans have shown some interested in Bartholomew, the team met with him in late March.
Bartholomew will be able to contribute immediately on special teams and can be used in a variety of way by the Titans. As we mentioned before he can be a lead blocker, run crisp routes and is a capable receiver.
Wherever Bartholomew ends up be drafted, or signs, he’ll be a good value. He may not be the sexiest pick, but he’ll be a hardworker and is a throwback to the hard-nosed fullbacks of yesteryear.