The Chargers drafted offensive tackle Trey Pipkins out of Sioux Falls University with their third-round selection in the 2019 NFL draft.
Pipkins got on Los Angeles’ radar at the East-West Shrine Game, an all-star game in St. Petersburg, FL. He showed that he not only was capable of shutting down Division III competition, but some of the top pass rushers at all levels.
Fast forward to now, there’s another small-school offensive tackle that’s showcasing his skillset here at the Reese’s Senior Bowl that could very well garner the attention of the Chargers.
Ben Bartch, the former St. John’s product, entered this week as a player that had a question mark over his head because many didn’t know how he would fare against Division I competition.
Through two practices, Bartch has raised plenty of eyebrows with his stout play against SEC and Big Ten pass rushers as he makes the leap from Division III.
Ben Barth is so smooth. Easily the best South offensive lineman, and may be the best tackle from the past two days. His footwork is beautiful – lateral range and quickness in his kickslide to protect the corner and physical at the point of the attack. pic.twitter.com/1T3coSX3Qr
— Gavino Borquez (@GavinoBorquez) January 23, 2020
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Bartch, the 6-foot-5 and 308 pounder, has looked silky smooth in pass protection, showcasing beautiful footwork, lateral range and quickness in his kick slide to protect the edge and he has held his own at the point of attack, showing toughness.
Bartch is a converted tight end that once weighed 250 pounds just two years ago as a sophomore in college. His coach, Gary Fasching told him that he would be suited better as an offensive lineman.
So what did he do to put on all that weight to make the positional change? He drank his distasteful smoothie that consisted of cottage cheese, peanut butter, eggs, milk, and bananas. Along with that, he ate seven scrambled eggs.
Bartch went on to become an accomplished left tackle for the Johnnies the next two seasons. He helped lead the offense to average 491.8 yards per game during the 2018 season, which ended as the second-highest total in school history.
From his tape and his outing here in Mobile, AL, Bartch has shown everything that you could ask for in an NFL offensive lineman: Footwork, play awareness, great hands, ability to anchor and strong at the point of attack.
Bartch played strictly left tackle during his time at St. John’s, as well as this week at the Senior Bowl. But he could slide inside to guard because of the lack of arm length (33 inches). Regardless, versatility is something that the Bolts covet in their offensive linemen.
Bartch could experience a rise like former Hobart product Ali Marpet. Marpet arrived to the Senior Bowl as an unknown, who tore it up against higher level of competition and ended up as a second-round pick by the Buccaneers, where he’s been lights out.
With a strong finish to the week and great numbers posted at the NFL Scouting Combine, he should solidify himself in that same tier as Marpet, and in consideration for being picked when Los Angeles is on the clock as early as Round 2.