Lions Visit Ben Bartch for Offensive Line Depth

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The Detroit Lions are still hunting for offensive line help in free agency.

On Monday, they brought in free agent guard Ben Barch for a visit at their facility.

He's a 26 year old with a unique path to the pros, and the team sees potential depth

if he stays healthy.

Barch started his college career at Division 3 St. John's University in Minnesota.

He played tight in for his first two years before bulking up and moving to left tackle.

There, he earned offensive lineman of the year honors in his conference.

Despite the lower level of competition, Barch turned heads with a strong showing at the

senior bow and an invite to the NFL Combine.

The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted him, making him the first from his conference in 2003 and

the first from his school since 1974.

He's have slowed his pro career.

He started 11 games at right guard in his second season and grabbed the left guard spot

the next year before a knee dislocation sidelined him.

After getting waived, he joined the San Francisco 49ers midway through the 2023 season, mostly

riding the practice squad and missing time last year with ankle and foot sprains.

Overall, he has 24 starts.

If the Lions sign him, Barch would battle for a backup role against players like Christian

Mahogany and Colby Soresdaw.

Officials are checking his health closely, but his athletic upside could make him a smart

addition for experience depth.

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