Jaguars sign fourth-round selection, rookie OL Ben Bartch

Today the Jaguars announced that they have signed fourth-round selection, offensive lineman Ben Bartch to a four-year rookie deal.

Bartch, 6-foo-5, 306 pounds, was selected by the Jaguars with their first fourth-round selection at pick No. 116. The Jaguars held three fourth-round picks in this year’s 2020 NFL Draft.

Drafted out of Saint John’s (Minnesota) University, Bartch was the first division-III player in which general manager Dave Caldwell has selected in his eight years with the club. Following his selection, both Caldwell and Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone made it clear Bartch will be flexible. Although, he played offensive tackle in college, he will likely slide into the right guard position with the Jaguars.

“You look on film, I have some standards that I look at personally when we look at it, depending on what conference they’re in or who they’re going against,” said Marrone following the selection. “We took a chance a couple years ago when I first got in New Orleans on Jahri Evans, from Bloomsburg. I’m not comparing those two players, but the things I looked for in Jahri when we were looking for that we looked for in Ben. We’re excited to have him.”

While raw, Bartch offers upside at the right guard position and with Jaguars offensive lineman Will Richardson sliding in at left tackle this year as the team’s swing tackle, the team will make quick use of Bartch as a reserve behind starting right guard A.J. Cann.

The Jaguars have now signed six of their 12 selections, including Bartch, wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr., defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton, linebacker Shaq Quarterman, wide receiver Collin Johnson and tight end Tyler Davis.