2020 NFL Draft: Post-Combine Detroit Lions mock draft

*Trade: Detroit sends the 154th & 162nd overall picks to Cincinnati for the 97th overall pick*

After solidifying a couple of needs earlier in the draft, the Lions decide to trade up here and select an offensive tackle who could eventually develop into a starter for them. At the least, this player should provide them with a high-quality backup. A small school product from St. John’s, Ben Bartch has all the traits and outstanding athleticism needed to make the jump from small school stand-out to NFL starter down the road.

What he will need is time to develop and learn from NFL level coaches without having to worry about having to step in right away and play a big part of an offensive line. Detroit can provide this for Bartch, as they have two set-in-stone starters in tackles, Taylor Decker and Rick Wagner. For the first year at least, he may even not have to be the top reserve tackle, leaving that role to Tyrell Crosby.

Bartch is a former tight end who managed to gain over 50 pounds when moving from tight end to offensive tackle. He gained

weight in good form, mostly muscle, while still managing to retain his movement skills and athleticism. The positive weight gain came from an interesting source, a smoothie he devised that consisted of seven scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, grits, peanut butter, banana, and Gatorade.

Even with the extra weight, according to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Bartch is still plenty athletic and quick in his pass sets. His technique is sound overall, but his stance could stand to change just a tad. He plays with good strength and has many of the nuances of the position down.

He’s not a finished product by any means, needing a bit more refinement and a fuller frame. However, give him a year or two of development and coaching, and he could become a long-term solution at one of the Lions’ tackle spots.