When the NFL Draft wrapped up last spring, there was a lot of buzz surrounding the Detroit Lions and their selection of Iowa offensive lineman Ben Bartch.
But honestly, before that moment, many people outside of the Hawkeye state probably scratched their heads and asked, ‘Ben who?’ It’s funny how the world works sometimes.
One minute you are just grinding away in the heartland, playing football because you love the game, and the next minute you are on national TV hearing your name called by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
It’s a pretty wild ride, and Bartch’s story is the definition of an underdog narrative.
A Local Hero with a Chip on His Shoulder
Ben Bartch didn’t come from a massive football factory.
He is from Rock Island, Illinois, which is right across the river from Davenport, Iowa.
Growing up there, he wasn’t the biggest guy on the field, maybe even undersized for his position, but he sure wasn’t the slowest.
He played at Rock Island High School, where he actually played a little bit of everything, but he quickly found his niche as an offensive lineman.
I remember reading about his high school days; he was a three-star recruit, which means he had offers, but nobody was lining up outside his house like they were for some of the blue-chip stars you see on ESPN every Saturday.
So, he took his talents to Iowa City.
Now, Iowa has a pretty solid football history, but it’s not exactly Ohio State or Alabama.
But that didn’t seem to bother him.
He just went to work.
The Iowa Hawkeyes Era: From Tackle to Guard
One of the things that makes Bartch’s story interesting is the position switch.
When he arrived in Iowa, he played tackle, which is usually the biggest guys on the line.
But as he developed, the coaching staff saw something different in him.
They moved him to guard.
It’s a funny thing about offensive line play; you can be the most athletic guy on the field, but if you don’t fit the scheme, you move.
But for Bartch, this move turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
- He became a three-year starter for the Hawkeyes.
- A Second-team All-Big Ten selection in his senior year.
- Known for his technical prowess rather than raw athleticism.
- Part of a line that paved the way for a very successful running back.
And honestly, watching him play, it made sense. Oddly enough,
He was technically sound.
He didn’t always have the 6’6″ frame of a prototypical NFL tackle, but he had the leverage and the footwork of a guy who had been studying film since he was five years old.
He was a reliable option, the kind of guy a quarterback wants to have blind to his side.
And he did it all while maintaining a high GPA and staying out of trouble. Now think about that for a second.
That’s the type of character the NFL loves.
The Draft Night Surprise
So, let’s talk about the moment everyone was waiting for.
The Lions were on the clock in the fourth round.
Everyone expected them to go after a pass rusher or a defensive back, right? I mean, that’s what the chatter was.
But then, the phone rang, and they called Ben Bartch’s name.
He was the 136th pick overall. Here’s the interesting part.
It was a bit of a surprise, sure, but looking back at it now, it feels like a steal.
When he got drafted, I think there was a collective shrug from a lot of analysts.
But then the tape got looked at more closely.
And then the realization set in: this guy can block.
He is smart.
He is durable.
He fits the kind of gritty, physical football that Matt Patricia (and the new coaching staff) likes to play. And this is where things get interesting.
It’s not the flashiest pick, but it’s the kind of pick that builds a football team.
The Challenge of Transitioning to the Pros
But getting drafted is only half the battle.
The real test is making the team. And this is where things get interesting.
And that’s where things got interesting for Bartch.
Because even though he played tackle in college, he was drafted as a guard. But there’s a catch.
Now, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t unheard of—there have been plenty of tackles who have converted to guards successfully—but it is a significant adjustment.
You have to change your footwork, your pad level, and your entire approach to the game.
But he handled it with a lot of grace.
From what we’ve seen in training camp and the preseason, he seems to be settling in just fine.
He’s competing for a spot on the starting unit, which is a huge achievement for a fourth-round pick.
There is a lot of pressure on young linemen, sure, but there is also a lot of support.
The Lions invested in him, and he has to prove he is worth that investment every single snap.
What to Expect from Ben Bartch in 2023
So, where does he go from here? Well, if he can secure a starting role, the Lions are going to be in good shape on the offensive line.
He might not be a household name like Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, but for a football fan who loves a good O-Line dance, Bartch is a guy to keep your eye on.
He’s the type of player who makes the quarterback’s life easier, which is really the ultimate compliment an offensive lineman can receive.
Plus, he represents everything that is good about college football.
He played for his school, he worked hard, he improved his craft, and he got his shot at the big leagues.
It’s a story that resonates with fans. But there’s a catch.
We all love the scrappy underdog who doesn’t have all the physical gifts but makes up for it with heart and smarts.
Ben Bartch is that guy.
A Reflection on Hard Work
At the end of the day, sports are about stories.
We follow teams, and we follow players because we want to see how they overcome obstacles.
Ben Bartch’s journey from Rock Island to the NFL is a testament to the fact that you don’t always have to be the most talented person in the room to succeed.
You just have to be willing to put in the work.
Whether it’s waking up at 5:00 AM to lift weights or spending hours studying game film after practice, the grind is real.
And Bartch seems to understand that better than most.
I think he’s going to surprise a lot of people this season.
Once he gets his feet under him and gets used to the pro speed, I wouldn’t be surprised if he turns into a fixture on that Lions offensive line for years to come.
He’s got that ‘Rock Island Kid’ grit, and you just can’t coach that.
Looking Ahead
The road ahead is going to be tough.
The NFL is the best league in the world for a reason, and the competition is fierce.
There are going to be bad days.
There are going to be games where he gets beaten for a sack or a quarterback hurry. Oddly enough,
That’s just part of the game.
But how he responds to those moments will define his career.
And based on what I’ve seen of him so far, I have a feeling he’s going to respond in the right way.
So, keep an eye on Ben Bartch.
He might not be the flashiest name on the roster, but he is definitely a player worth watching.
He is the kind of player who makes the rest of the offense better simply by being out there.
And in the NFL, that is a rare and valuable skill set.
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