Ben Bartch could be the Redskins’ answer at LT

Ben Bartch, T
School: St. John’s (Minn) | Conference: MIAC (D3)
College Experience: Senior | Age: 21(?)
Height / Weight: 6’6” / 309 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Round 2 to 4
NFL Comparison: Bryan Bulaga

Player Overview

Bartch, a left tackle out of D3 St. John’s in Minnesota, is likely to be the first Johnnie drafted since 1974, when offensive lineman Kurt Wachtler was taken in the 15th round. Bartch actually started out as a tight end at St. John’s, playing the position in one game in his freshman year and 8 games of his sophomore year. Before his junior year, he was moved to left tackle and ended up starting all 13 games, impressively earning second team all conference recognition.

During his senior year, he put on additional weight and started all 14 games. He played well enough to earn first team all-conference honors and was named Offensive Lineman of the Year. In 2019, Bartch only allowed 4 pressures in 315 pass blocking snaps.

Strengths

• Has impressive athletic ability. (threw discus and shot put in college; ran track in HS).
• Quick, with lateral shiftiness and the capacity to accelerate downfield.
• Good hand utilization
• Has great footwork.
• Not intimidated by top level competition.

Weaknesses

• Needs to add additional strength.
• Played against a low level of college competition.
• Relatively new to the position. Played TE initially.
• Has to work on balance against stronger competition.
• Will likely need time to refine technique at the pro level.

Let’s See His Work

How He Would Fit

If the Redskins and Trent Williams part ways before the draft, as many expect they will, LT immediately becomes a top position of need for the team. Assuming a grizzled vet like Donald Penn or Jason Peters isn’t used to patch the hole, Cornelius Lucas or Geron Christian will be the only thing between Dwayne Haskins and some of the fiercest pass rushers in the league. If there isn’t a trade back, and the selection of a top defensive talent is made at #2, the soonest we can currently grab a top tackle will be in the early 3rd round.

At that point, it’s possible that a player like Bartch - a very athletic, but green LT with a starting level ceiling after some grooming in the league - could be available. But even Bartch probably isn’t a plug and play left tackle, unless the Redskins - and Haskins - are willing to experience some serious growing pains.

In any case, a player like Bartch could be a very interesting, if raw, addition to the Redskins offensive line, and likely among the best options still left on Day 2 of the draft.