With the 120th pick in the ROD mock draft, the New York Jets select: Ben Bartch, OL St. Johns
Pass Sets - His foot cadence is terrific, whether he's a small school prospect or not. Even keeled with his steps and shows awareness to stay strong in the base and not over set or bail out with his angles. Impressive angles to close down space on the edge and was completely dominant at the DIII level.
Length - Meets length thresholds for playing out on the edge and he's shown effective hand strike variance and was well timed with punches. Difficult to gauge his consistency here due to level of competition but he was able to stonewall rushers around the edge versus all comers.
Balance - He had little issue with body control on his college tape. Was a man amongst boys each week and physically handled opposition cleanly at POA or getting himself framed onto a defender shooting through gaps. Instances of getting snatched off his set were present at Senior Bowl vs. longer, more potent athletes.
Hand Technique - His strike variance is actually really nice. Appreciate his patience to not over-extend himself but when he stabs it's forceful and compact, creating some good pop through his hands. There's awareness present to rework himself tight into the frame, too — doesn't show any panicked holds.
Power at POA - Certainly handled his business at the DIII level. Turned defenders out with ease, although he won't find that same ease to maul NFL defenders. There's some growth needed in functional strength to fill out his frame a bit but his technique and positioning awareness lend themselves well to good growth here.
Football IQ - What a pleasant surprise coming out of a small school setting. He's polished, he's patient and he shows understanding of angles and how to win at the POA based on alignment and anticipation. Thrived in Mobile at the Senior Bowl against the big boys, alleviating level of competition concerns.
Functional Athleticism - He's nimble. Boxy but lean build and he carries his weight well and should have little issue with foot speed at the next level. He's sufficient as a space blocker and has plenty of natural athleticism to win initial positioning or climb to the second level and get himself squared onto second level defenders.
Anchor Ability - He's not super stout or filled with raw power but his base is consistent and posture gives him optimal ability to drop the hips. He needs more lower body strength to avoid leaning onto his toes to help compensate so hard, which opened the doors for long-armed defenders to yank him off his set.
Flexibility - Clean. Little issue with the demands of vertical sets or opening himself up below the waist to get width quickly. His pad level and hip level are strong and as a result his ability to pivot, redirect or slide are strong and effective in mirror situations. Fluid and dynamic below the waist to slide and move.
Competitive Toughness - Impressed by walking into the Senior Bowl and locking horns with top end pass rushers. Stage wasn't too big and he appears to have that "dog" in him that you like having up front among your protectors. Give him a year in NFL strength and conditioning and he should be ready to perform at a high level.
Best Trait - Technique
Worst Trait - Functional Strength
Best Film - Chapman (2019)
Worst Film - Wisconsin Whitewater (2019)
Red Flags - None
Player Summary - Ben Bartch is a high end developmental OT prospect who, with some additional time in an NFL strength and conditioning program, should become a quality starter at the NFL level. Bartch has wonderful fundamentals for a small school prospect and, with a bit more added functional strength to his frame, should be a well rounded pass protector. Bartch's resume is boosted by a strong showing at the 2020 Senior Bowl — he proved his mettle against a slew of pass rushers in Mobile.
@Petrowsky is on the clock
@ScotsRam is on deck