2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Joe Bachie, ILB, Michigan State Spartans
Career Snapshot
Three-year starter who earned First Team All-Big Ten honors and made 102 tackles (8.5 for loss) with three forced fumbles as a junior in 2018. Named Third Team All-Big Ten and made 100 tackles (8.5 for loss) with 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and two forced fumbles as a sophomore. Missed the final five games of the 2019 season after he was suspended for performance-enhancing drugs and was still named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten.
Positives
Tough, instinctive linebacker who is constantly around the action and makes positive plays. Plays with tremendous awareness, effectively quarterbacks the defense, and gets his teammates into proper position. Leads by example, fires through the gaps of the offensive line to make plays in the backfield. and takes proper angles to the action.
Efficient, flows well laterally and wraps up tackling. Remains disciplined with assignments, does not bite on ball fakes and shows a tremendous head for the ball. Quickly closes to the action and effectively makes plays in space.
Negatives
Despite running well at the combine, does not display the flat-out pursuit speed and athleticism on the field. Struggles to get off blocks and will get caught up in the trash.
Analysis
Bachie is an underrated and overlooked linebacker who will be underdrafted in April. He presents himself as a three-down defender who stands out against the run and can also play in zone coverage on passing downs. Bachie also comes with a special-teams mentality. He’ll be great value on day three of the draft and can develop into a starter at the next level.