Tag: Ben Bartch

7 potential Chargers that should blow up NFL Scouting Combine

Chargers Wire lays out who Los Angeles Chargers fans should watch at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine is just around the corner. The event is a useful tool for player evaluation, and some teams put more stock in it than others.

It is a big opportunity for prospects to showcase their athleticism and skillset through a series of tests, including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump and on-field drills.

With that, we have compiled a list of seven prospects all Chargers fans must watch in Indianapolis next weekend, in addition to a handful of others Los Angeles could be targeting in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Below are the players to keep an eye on:

QB Justin Herbert, Oregon

Herbert has been commonly linked to the Chargers since the start of the pre-draft process. The 6-foot-6 and 227 pound quarterback’s tape shows a lot of good things, but two things stand out: arm strength and mobility.

I believe Herbert is going to run a 4.7 second 40-yard dash and his polarizing arm will be on display during the on-field drills, where he will make all the throws to all parts of the field, especially on the deep ball.

The interview process will be the most important for Herbert. This will be his opportunity to show that he can lead a team and impress the coaches when they put him on the whiteboard.

OT Josh Jones, Houston

The offensive tackle position is a glaring need for the Chargers, and Jones should be at the top of their board in the second-round (if he’s already not taken). With his basketball background, the athleticism is evident. He plays with long arms, coordinated feet and lower body movement skills in pass protection. Jones should do really well in the agility drills, but he should light up the on-field drills.

LB/S Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

Like safety Derwin James, Simmons is a true chess piece on the defensive side of the ball. He can blitz, play the run, cover in the slot and play special teams. Think about that for a second, two James on the field at the same time.

Everyone is familiar with the 6-foot-4 and 230-pound hybrid defender after putting together such a polished resume for the Tigers. But the Combine is going remind people how much of a freakish athlete he is.

Simmons has a vertical jump of 40 inches and a broad jump of 11-0. He routinely jumps onto a 52-inch box for single-response jump work. He also has run a sub-4.4 40 this off-season, per The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman.

WR Jalen Reagor, TCU

The Chargers are in need of another deep threat, given the underwhelming production from Travis Benjamin and the guys behind him on the depth chart this past season. If they choose to go that route early on in the draft, Reagor should be on their radar.

Reagor is one of the fastest receivers in this year’s class. The 5-foot-11 and 195-pounder showed breakaway speed to burn corners week in and week out. This past offseason, he clocked a 4.29 40-yard, and his strength numbers are also eye-popping: a 620-pound squat, a 380-pound bench and a 380-pound clean, per Feldman.

CB Troy Pride, Jr., Notre Dame

The Chargers will be in the market for a cornerback. Pride Jr. got on my radar at the Senior Bowl, but it won’t be long until he catches the attention of others that aren’t familiar with him.

At the 2018 ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships he ran a personal-best 6.73 seconds in the 60-meter dash. His 10.50 100 time is one of the fastest in school history. This past offseason he ran a 4.32 40-yard dash, per Feldman.

The 5-foot-11 and 193 pounder would be a perfect zone defender for the Chargers since he has a knack for reading and getting a feel for route concepts before making a play on the ball. His speed, mirroring ability and spatial awareness are all plus traits of his.

OT Matt Peart, UConn

Peart, a four-year starter at UConn, is a good athlete that boasts terrific length. The 6-foot-5 and 310 pound tackle doesn’t have overwhelming power to dominate his opponents, but he quickly finds his landmarks and uses his natural movement skills, base and length to keep rushers busy. His quick feet will be evident during the on-field drills.

OT Ben Bartch, St. John’s

The 6-6, 308-pound Bartch is coming off a stellar Senior Bowl week, where he showed that he could hang with some of the best pass-rushers in the nation. Now, he is bound to stamp himself as the first Division III player to be drafted since Buccaneers’ Ali Marpet, who has turned into a quality starter.

Bartch, the former tight end, is likely to run under five seconds in the 40-yard dash. But the on-field drills will be a major plus for him because on tape he showcases a silky smooth set in pass protection with beautiful footwork, lateral range and quickness in his kick slide to protect the edge.

Meet Ben Bartch, the latest small-school Senior Bowl star

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with St. John’s offensive tackle Ben Bartch

Every year, it seems at least one small-school prospect takes full advantage of Senior Bowl week, proving they can compete with some of the best players college football has to offer down in Mobile, Alabama.

One of this year’s biggest winners in that category? St. John’s offensive lineman Ben Bartch.

A punishing blocker who proved himself against top pass rushers, Bartch recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the Senior Bowl, how he answers the “small-school” criticism, and what kind of impact he’ll have at the next level.

JM: By all accounts, you had a fantastic week at the Senior Bowl. That was obviously big for you as a small-school guy. How do you think that performance elevated your draft stock?

BB: I think it showed that not only can I compete, but also that I can perform well against some of the best competition in the nation. I think I did a good job of handling the opportunity that was given to me.

JM: Inevitably, some team is gonna sit you down at some point throughout this process and ask you about the lack of top-notch competition you faced on a weekly basis. How will you answer those questions?

BB: I suppose that I’ve never been phased by the fact that I come from a small school. I’ve been given the opportunities that I’ve been given and I believe I’ve made the most out of every single one of them. I’ve been blessed to play football at St. John’s. I made the most of my opportunity there. I’m not really phased by that. I’m gonna continue to perform well in every opportunity that comes my way.

JM: You’ve been training out there at Sanford Power, which is really one of the best facilities in the nation. How is the training process going for you so far?

BB: It’s been incredible. We have a very impressive staff out here. They care a lot about their athletes. They’ve provided me with tremendous support and resources throughout this process.

Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

JM: You’ve played both left and right tackle. Which do you think is your main position going forward?

BB: I think that I’m a left tackle. I’d be open to playing right tackle if that’s what’s required of me, but I believe I have the skill-set and athletic ability to play left tackle.

JM: Is there a scheme that fits you best going forward?

BB: Yeah, I really enjoy playing in any various schemes of run blocking and different schemes of pass protection. I’ve played in many different offenses. I enjoy zone run blocking very much. I’m open to any schemes. I just really enjoy playing football.

JM: What scheme are you most experienced with?

BB: As far as my college experience goes, we ran a lot of inside and outside zone blocking at St John’s. We ran some hurry up as a spread offense, as well.

JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent?

BB: I think the intimidation factor is very important. I enjoy a good pancake. I enjoy finishing a guy off through the whistle. I think those things really set the tone. They understand that it’s personal when you’re blocking them through the whistle. You have to protect your quarterback at all costs. It goes back to the pancakes. I enjoy taking souls, so to speak.

Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

JM: Who were the best pass rushers at the Senior Bowl?

BB: I thought that Terrell Lewis from Alabama was a really good player. I also thought that Robert Windsor from Penn State was a really smart player.

JM: Do you have a preferred pass set?

BB: I think I’m more of an angle setter than anything. The pass set varies from alignment to alignment, and it really depends on the type of play or the type of drop of the quarterback. I wouldn’t necessarily say that I have a favorite, but I do incorporate an angle set more than anything, though.

JM: The year was 1964. That was the last time a player from St. John’s was drafted. You’re about to end a 56-year drought. How does that feel?

BB: It’s definitely a unique accomplishment. In my eyes, what’s important to me is not necessarily being a guy from St. John’s that gets drafted, but rather being a guy from St. John’s that really pans out and contributes to his team. The aim is to have a great NFL career. That’s my approach. It’s a great thing to represent the school, though.

JM: Certainly the ultimate goal is to pan out, but it’s an incredible accomplishment nonetheless. Everyone there must be so proud of you.

BB: They sure are (laughs). It’s such a big family. It feels like mom and dad coming to all your games but at St. John’s, it’s a big extended family. The entire community really gets behind you.

JM: Is there one NFL quarterback that you’d love to block for?

BB: To be honest, not in particular. I have players that I certainly admire, but I’d be willing to block for whatever quarterback and whatever franchise drafts me.

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

JM: Who are those guys that you admire?

BB: I think it would be pretty cool to block for Marcus Mariota. I know he’s not the starter right now, but I really respect him and what he did for the Tennessee Titans. Russell Wilson is another one. That would be pretty cool. I grew up watching both of those guys. There’s so many great quarterbacks out there.

JM: Marcus Mariota is an interesting answer. He’s a terrific person. What makes him come to mind?

BB: He has such a unique skill-set as a leader. He leads by example. I think that he really cares about his offensive line. When you’re an incredible person off the field and you understand that you’re in the position that you’re in because of the teammates around you, an offensive linemen wants to serve and protect for a guy like that. I’ve met him once, and he just strikes me as a very respectable individual.

JM: It sounds like he left a lasting impression on you.

BB: I just met him briefly a few weeks ago. I had the opportunity to introduce myself. I grew up in Oregon. He was the bees knees, as they say. He’s the type of leader that doesn’t seek the limelight. He never makes it about himself. I respect that in a lot of ways. He’s such a humble person. You wanna be friends with that guy. I enjoyed being around him.

JM: You grew up in Oregon while he was playing his college football there?

BB: Yes, I was. I was born and raised in Oregon. I was in middle school while he was playing at The University of Oregon. He was playing very elite football throughout that time.

JM: What kind of impact is Ben Bartch going to make at the next level?

BB: I hope to be a player that becomes an excellent contributor for whichever organization I play for. I know that I’ll be a terrific teammate to everyone in the locker room. I’m a hard worker. My goal is to ultimately win championships. That’s what I’m all about. That, and being a great teammate.

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2020 NFL Draft: 4-round mock gives Bills Laviska Shenault at top

The Buffalo Bills in The Draft Wire’s latest 2020 NFL Mock Draft.

Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr.. Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Draft Wire released their latest four-round mock ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft this week and the Bills have an even split in it.

Right at the top, Buffalo addresses their top-two needs with a receiver and pass rusher. Then their next two picks are also split between offense and defense as well.

Starting at the top with their first pick at No. 22 overall, the Bills select wideout Laviska Shenault from Colorado:

22. Buffalo Bills
Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado
The Eagles passing on a Shenault here is a big win for the Bills, who are also in desperate need of a true No. 1 target for Josh Allen. Shenault is a physical player with a well-built frame who puts it to good use, both at the catch point and after the catch. He’s the complete player this offense needs to take their game to the next level in 2020 and beyond.

In this mock draft scenario, Shenault is the fifth first-round receiver selected. In total, six go in the opening round of the draft. The 2020 wideout group has long been touted as one of the best in recent memory, so that comes as no surprise.

While the Eagles do allow Shenault to get to the Bills, some might still be a little bummed out with their pick. Clemson’s big-bodied target Tee Higgins comes off the board one pick before the Bills. He’s another popular mocked player to the Bills because of Buffalo’s need for size at the position.

Shenault is slightly shorter than Higgins, but at 6-foot-2, still does have size and plays big, too. He’s a physical target with some quickness in his game. According to Pro Football Focus, Shenault led college receivers with 46 missed tackle over the past two seasons. In a draft class that’s not as a deep at the position, Shenault could easily be one of the top wideouts selected in another year. Shenault did recently have a small injury scare as he’s dealing with an inflammation of the pubic bone, however, it was also announced he won’t need surgery to repair the issue.

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Who could the Bills target from Draft Wire’s All-Senior Bowl team?

Potential 2020 NFL Draft targets for the Buffalo Bills from Draft Wire’s 2020 All-Senior Bowl team.

Our friends at Draft Wire broke down the 2020 Senior Bowl in a second-to-none fashion (even though we may be biased).

Regardless, this year’s event for upperclassmen is in the books. Following the game last weekend, Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling tabbed his full 2020 All-Senior Bowl squad.

Of those, there are a few guys that might have caught the attention of the Bills.

Here’s a rundown of players from Draft Wire’s 2020 All-Senior Bowl squad and who could interest the Bills:

North running back Joshua Kelley of UCLA. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

RB Joshua Kelley| UCLA

Joshua Kelley finished with a game-high 105 yards on 15 carries. Memphis rusher Antonio Gibson was the next closest running back to his totals with 68 yards on 11 carries. Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott already said this offseason he wants a one-two punch in his running game. Could that be Devin Singletary and Kelley?

Here’s how Draft Wire discussed Kelly’s output in the game:

This year’s running back group was less than inspiring on both squads, but Kelley looked the most impressive. He showed off a well-rounded skill set, and displayed the patience and vision NFL teams want to see from their backs. Kelley boosted his draft stock as much as any runner we saw in Mobile this week.

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4 potential Chargers who stood out during Day 2 of Senior Bowl practices

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez highlights four potential Los Angeles Chargers who stood out during Day 2 of Senior Bowl practices.

The second day of Senior Bowl practices concluded on Wednesday.

Here are four potential Chargers who stood out on Day 2:

Jordan Love | QB | Utah State

On Tuesday, it was Justin Herbert that had the best day out of all the quarterbacks. A day after, it was Love who had the better day, raising some eyebrows during the North Team’s practice.

Love was flashing arm talent, throwing dimes downfield, including a beauty to wide receiver Denzel Mims down the sideline. During the seven-on-sevens, he was making good decisions throughout the course of the drill, which is something that scouts are looking to see out of him this week.

Love’s evaluation is a tough one because of his poor campaign in 2019, but he has the opportunity for evaluators to overlook that year with a strong showing the rest of the week.

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QB Justin Herbert headlines potential Chargers who shined on Day 1 of 2020 Senior Bowl practices

Quarterback Justin Herbert was one of many players that should’ve drew the attention of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Day 1 of the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl is officially in the rearview.

This morning kicked off with the annual weigh-ins, which was followed up with media day where analysts, reporters and writers got the opportunity to speak with players before they took the field for the first day of practice.

The South Team made their way out to the big room first, and after about 20 minutes, out came Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert. The 6-foot-6 and 227 pound signal-caller was immediately bombarded by the media, where he was hit with a slew of questions.

One of the questions that Herbert was asked really stood out. He was asked what NFL teams told him they wanted to see this week. There was no mention of polishing things when it comes to his play on the field. Instead, Herbert said one word: “Leadership.”

“I think people are worried about leadership and me being a pretty quiet guy. But I would say that I’m not too quiet. Unfortunately, I’ll talk your ear off. There are these things that I want to be transparent with and give a good representation of myself.

I’m not an introvert. I think that’s one of the things that I don’t think people have the right idea about me and I would say that it’s not fairly accurate and when I get into the huddle, when I get around the team it’s a little bit different and the guys would say that, the coaches would say that and I think they’d agree with me on that.

I think I’m somewhere in the middle (of introvert and extrovert) and there’s shades of both in me. That’s something I’ve really worked on and the coaches have done a great job of pulling that out of me,” Herbert told reporters.

Scouts and general managers know that he has all the physical traits, tools and talent to become a successful NFL quarterback, but teams want to see Herbert command a huddle and take charge on the field because many believe that he isn’t capable of leading a team.

When we got into Ladd-Peebles Stadium where the practice took place, it wasn’t long until Herbert flashed. The Eugene native looked phenomenal on Tuesday, displaying all the physical tools and most importantly, the leadership skills that were being desired.

Herbert was right on the money with nearly all of his throws.  He made plays in and out of the pocket, showcasing his strong arm and athleticism. His most notable pass was a beautiful vertical toss to wide receiver Austin Mack down the sideline where it landed perfectly in his hands.

After Mack reeled in the pass, Herbert scampered down the field fired up to give his teammate the recognition that he deserved.

Herbert’s incomplete passes were more about drops by receivers rather than missed throws on his part. And when his receivers dropped a pass, they made sure to hear about it from Herbert, showing the vocalness that evaluators are wanting out of him this week.

The Chargers’ biggest draft needs other than quarterback center around the offensive line, wide receiver and cornerback position, and there were a few standouts from those groups.

Houston offensive tackle Josh Jones, who is a candidate for Los Angeles’ second-round pick, had a great day. His previous basketball skills were evident in one-on-ones as he was an easy mover with flexible hips and agile feet to stay between the rusher and quarterback.

There was a small-school standout by the name of Ben Bartch who raised some eyebrows. Bartch, the 6-foot-5 and 308 pound tackle, did a fantastic job in pass protection, moving effortlessly and using his 33-inch arms to slow down speed rushers. He played tackle the entire afternoon, but he has the versatility to play inside, too.

As for interior offensive linemen, Michigan guard Ben Bredeson had himself a solid day. Bredeson was quick to leverage the point of attack and achieve body position, latching with his strong hands, and moving with a coordinated lower body to slide and mirror defenders.

A wideout that should’ve garnered the attention of the Chargers scouts was Ohio State’s K.J. Hill. Hill showed off a plethora of route-running skills and techniques to get open during multiple one-on-one reps.

Across from the wide receivers was Oklahoma State cornerback A.J. Green, who showed off some top-notch technique from zone coverage, ball skills and competitiveness during the seven-on-seven drill.