The Detroit Lions are on the hunt for reinforcements on their offensive line, and they’ve got their eyes on free agent guard Ben Bartch. On Monday, Bartch visited the Lions’ facility, sparking interest in what he could bring to the team.
Bartch’s journey to the NFL is nothing short of intriguing. He started his collegiate career at St.
John’s in Minnesota, a Division III school, initially playing as a tight end. After bulking up-thanks to a rather infamous shake-he transitioned to left tackle and thrived, earning Offensive Lineman of the Year honors in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC).
Despite the lower level of competition, Bartch caught the eye of scouts and secured invitations to both the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. His performance landed him with the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking a significant milestone as the first MIAC player drafted since 2003 and the first from St. John’s since 1974.
However, Bartch’s NFL journey has been marred by injuries. After a developmental rookie year, he started 11 games at right guard in his second season.
He claimed the starting left guard position in Year 3, but a dislocated knee sidelined him after just five games. The following season, he faced challenges with performance, leading to a benching and eventual release.
Bartch found a new home with the San Francisco 49ers midway through the 2023 season. While he spent most of 2024 on the practice squad, he made the 53-man roster last year. Unfortunately, injuries struck again, limiting him to just six games due to ankle and foot sprains.
In total, Bartch has 24 NFL starts under his belt, split between right guard (11 starts) and left guard (13 starts). The Lions are likely scrutinizing his health, especially considering the foot sprain that kept him out of the 49ers’ playoff run. If Bartch can stay healthy, he brings valuable experience, potential upside, and athleticism that could bolster the Lions’ depth chart.
Should the Lions opt to sign Bartch, he’ll enter a competitive mix with players like Christian Mahogany, Miles Frazier, Juice Scruggs, Michael Niese, Mason Miller, Colby Sorsdal, and Seth McLaughlin, all vying for a spot on the offensive line. With his blend of experience and potential, Bartch could be a savvy addition to Detroit’s roster.