Ben Bartch: PFF| 49ers| Injury| Contract| College| Position| Shake

Introduction

Ben Bartch has carved out a unique NFL journey—from a Division III prospect to a starting guard in the league. Known for his unconventional “bulk-up shake,” steady blocking ability, and injury setbacks, Bartch has remained a notable name among offensive linemen, especially during his stint with the San Francisco 49ers.

Ben Bartch PFF Grades and Performance

Bartch has shown flashes of high-level performance when healthy. During the 2025 season, he earned a 71.7 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade, an impressive mark for an interior lineman. Notably, he allowed zero sacks and zero penalties across roughly 200 snaps, highlighting his efficiency in pass protection.

While not a Pro Bowl-caliber player yet, these metrics indicate that Bartch can be a reliable starter when available.

Time with the 49ers

Bartch joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 and later signed a one-year contract extension in February 2025.

• Entered 2025 as the starting left guard
• Appeared in 6 games with 2 starts
• Played a key role in the team’s offensive line rotation

Despite limited appearances, the 49ers valued his upside and versatility on the interior line.

Injury History and Setbacks

Injuries have been the biggest obstacle in Bartch’s career.

Key injuries:

• 2022: Serious knee injury (career-altering)
• 2025:
  • High-ankle sprain (Week 2)
  • Placed on Injured Reserve multiple times
  • Later suffered a foot sprain, ending his season

These recurring issues limited his consistency, despite strong on-field performances.

Contract and Latest News

Bartch signed a one-year deal with the 49ers in 2025, but after the season, he moved on in free agency.

Latest update (2026):

• Signed with the Detroit Lions
• Joins as offensive line depth with starting potential

His move represents a fresh opportunity to revive his career.

College Career at St. John’s

Bartch played college football at Saint John’s University (Division III).

• Began as a tight end (around 220 lbs)
• Transitioned to offensive line after gaining significant weight
• Earned All-MIAC honors and became an NFL prospect

His development from a small-school athlete to an NFL lineman is one of the most unique stories in football.

Position and Playing Style

• Position: Guard (primarily left guard)
• Height/Weight: 6’6”, 315 lbs
• Strengths:
  • Pass protection efficiency
  • Mobility for zone-blocking schemes
• Weaknesses:
  • Durability concerns
  • Limited full-season availability

Bartch has experience at both right guard and left guard, making him a flexible depth option.

The Famous “Bartch Shake”

One of the most talked-about aspects of Bartch’s journey is his extreme bulking diet.

To transform his body, he consumed a daily shake containing:

• 7 scrambled eggs
• Cottage cheese
• Grits
• Peanut butter
• Bananas
• Gatorade

This unusual routine helped him gain nearly 90 pounds, turning him from a lean tight end into an NFL-ready lineman.

Career Outlook

At 27 years old, Ben Bartch remains a high-upside but injury-risk player. His solid PFF grades and technical ability suggest he can still develop into a dependable starter—if he can stay healthy.

With the Detroit Lions, Bartch now has another chance to prove his value and re-establish himself in the league.