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4 Small School Prospects the Cincinnati Bengals Could Target in the Draft

By Kyle Smith

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Tight end Harrison Bryant of Florida Atlantic runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Tight end Harrison Bryant of Florida Atlantic runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 26: Ben Bartch #OL04 of St John’s-MN interviews during the second day of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 26: Ben Bartch #OL04 of St John’s-MN interviews during the second day of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Ben Bartch – Offensive Lineman, St. John’s

Ben Bartch became a fan favorite of the Senior Bowl and NFL combine after word leaked about his world-famous weight-gainer shake. A former tight-end at Division III St. John’s, Bartch concocted a shake to help him jump from 250 pounds to 309 pounds as he transitioned to a starting left tackle. After just two seasons at left tackle, Bartch earned first-team all-league and offensive lineman of the year for Division III.

Bartch has plenty of athletic ability and explosion and displays them as an enticing left tackle prospect. However, he could end up as a guard in the NFL after his arms measured out to 33″ at the combine. Bartch uses his high school track experience to explode off of the line of scrimmage to take on defenders. That speed could be a valuable asset as he pulls across the line to open holes for Joe Mixon to burst through.

Bartch has strong instincts but still needs time to develop as a tackle prospect. Cincinnati has a gaping hole at either guard spot and he could compete for a starting gig on either side of Trey Hopkins. Even as a developmental player, Ben Bartch can be a versatile option for most positions on the offensive line.

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