Ben Bartch Overview
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 309 pounds
School: St. Johns (Min)
Ben Bartch 2020 NFL Draft Profile
St.John’s offensive tackle Ben Bartch is well known for his unusual smoothie combination of eggs, peanut butter, and gatorade at the NFL Combine. He was the only Division III player to participate at the 2019 Senior Bowl. The offensive tackle began his football career as a tight end at Blanchet Catholic High School in Oregon. Bartch committed to St. Johns University in Minnesota.
College
After arriving on campus, Bartch played for two years at tight end totaling four catches for 43 yards and one touchdown. In his junior season, Bartch made the transition from tight end to left tackle. The move paid good dividends as he was named second-team All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Bartch says he learned the position through online videos and tutorials. Over the course of his final two college seasons, Bartch went from 250 to 305 pounds.
In 2019, Bartch earned first-team all-league and Offensive Lineman of the Year honors after starting at left tackle in 14 games. The senior helped his team average 512.9 yards and 41.6 points per game as the Johnnies went 12-2 including an appearance in the Division III semifinals. He allowed just four pressures in 2019 in 315 pass-blocking snaps. In 2019, Bartch was named as Second Team AP All-American. Bartch earned the MIAC Mike Stam Award as the conference’s top defensive or offensive lineman and started all 14 games at left tackle this past season.
Strengths
- Ideal athleticism for the NFL;
- Versatile on the line;
- Very reactive off the ball;
- Good footwork;
- Good ability to stay in front of pass rushers;
- High Acceleration off the ball.
Weaknesses
- Didn’t face the strongest opposition in college;
- Needs additional strength to block in run game;
- Inconsistency with hands;
- Impatience occurs with lack of fundamentals;
- Only two years as a starter;
- Defensive moves can cause lack of balance.
Pro Comparison: Brian O’Neill
Best Team Fits: New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Projection: Early to Mid 3rd round
Bottom Line on Ben Bartch
Bartch gained most of his recognition through a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. Bartch is one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects. His greatest ability is his vision. Like Eagles OT Lane Johnson, Bartch switched from tight end to offensive line. The move seems to have worked well and now Bartch has a chance to become a good starter in the NFL. Bartch would be just the second player from St.Johns to be drafted since 1964. John McDowell, offensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers, was the only other player. This would also be the first time since 2003 that a player from the MIAC was drafted (Ryan Hoag).
Bartch’s main area of concern is his ability to be patient. His hand strength will be useful in his ability to block. Specifically, his inconsistency with his hands will be a key area of focus for his coaches. From a skills standpoint, Bartch still needs time to develop, but has the potential to develop into a Pro-Bowl caliber starter. His footwork will also need to be refined as the competition in the NFL is vastly superior.
Main photo:
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