The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.
Up next is Saint John’s (MN) offensive tackle Ben Bartch:
What he can do
– Transformed body to play offensive line and now weighs over 300 pounds. Stands 6-6 but doesn’t have long arms
– Transitioned from tight end and started final 27 games at left tackle, still inexperienced along the offensive line and developing a diverse skill set
– Dominated in pass protection during final season, allowing just four total pressures (and no sacks) over 504 pass-blocking snaps, per PFF
– Really held up well at the Senior Bowl. Produced several encouraging one-on-one reps against future NFL players. Can move feet, mirror rushes and finish a block with some physicality. Quick adjustment in Mobile bodes well for future transition
– Still just a ball of clay. Needs to land in the right situation with a patient coach/team to grow and maximize potential
– Probably needs to add more overall strength to hold up at the next level
– Injured at Senior Bowl and wasn’t able to do athletic testing, complicating his draft profile
How he fits
Bartch is one of the more intriguing developmental offensive tackle prospects in the draft. With veteran Ricky Wagner signed for just two years, the Packers have a clear need for a young player to develop at the position. Bartch has limited tackle experience and played at a small school that lacked elite competition, creating a tough future transition, and he’s still growing into his body, but he proved he can hang at Senior Bowl, displaying the kind of pass-blocking ability every team is looking for at tackle. Bartch needs time, but the Packers are currently set up well for a young player to get a redshirt year before competing to start in 2021. That could be a nice developmental pathway for someone with upside like Bartch.
NFL comp
In terms of just size, Bartch is quite similar to former Packers offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga. In fact, Bulaga is Bartch’s top match at Mockdraftable. PFF likes Riley Reiff as a comparison.
Where Packers could get
Likely on Day 2. Teams are annually starved for pass-blocking help, elevating the offensive tackle position, and Bartch – despite his inexperience and the transition ahead – could have considerable upside in the right situation at the next level. Anywhere between Rounds 2-4 looks like the sweet spot for Bartch.
Previous Prospects for the Pack
WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
OT Austin Jackson
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
DL Raekwon Davis
DB Xavier McKinney
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
DL A.J. Epenesa
TE Hunter Bryant
RB Jonathan Taylor
RB Zack Moss
WR Michael Pittman
WR K.J. Hamler
WR John Hightower
LB Jordyn Brooks
LB Troy Dye
LB Willie Gay Jr.
OT Jack Driscoll
WR Devin Duvernay
OT Ezra Cleveland
WR Van Jefferson
OT Andrew Thomas
S Grant Delpit
TE Cole Kmet
OT Tristan Wirfs
QB Jordan Love
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
DB Jeremy Chinn
RB/WR Antonio Gibson
DL Jordan Elliott
DB K’Von Wallace
WR Bryan Edwards
DL Ross Blacklock
LB Logan Wilson
DL Justin Madubuike
RB Cam Akers
LB Malik Harrison
RB Darrynton Evans
WR Lynn Bowden Jr.
WR Gabriel Davis
LB Josh Uche
CB Trevon Diggs
DB Terrell Burgess
OLB Terrell Lewis
CB A.J. Terrell
WR Quintez Cephus
TE Albert Okwuegbunam
QB Jalen Hurts
WR Tyler Johnson
IOL Cesar Ruiz
DB Ashtyn Davis
WR Quez Watkins
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