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Joe Bachie, LB
School: Michigan State | Conference: Big 10
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6’1” / 230 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Round 6 or 7
NFL Comparison: Reuben Foster
Career Statistics:
Player Overview
During Bachie’s sophomore season at Michigan State, he started all 13 games and led the team in tackles (100) and picked up 3.5 sacks and 3 interceptions. His high level performance earned him the Spartans’ team MVP award and third team all Big 10 honors. In 2018, he was named team captain, again leading Michigan State in tackles (102) and grabbing 1 INT and 3 forced fumbles. He was named first team All Big 10 as a result.
Hopes were high for Bachie’s senior season, and he played impressively for the first 8 games in 2019, collecting 71 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 1 INT. Unfortunately, in the middle of the season he failed a PED test and was suspended for the final 5 games as a result. Interviewed about the positive test, Bachie indicated it was the result of contamination of an over-the-counter work out blend that he had taken a number of times before without issue.
There have been very recent reports (see below) that Bachie is a potential target of interest for the Redskins.
Strengths
- Very strong against the run and as a blitzer.
- Likely to be a MIKE linebacker in the pros.
- Has solid instincts.
- Generally an effective tackler.
- Two time team captain.
- Capable in zone coverage.
- Could be a special teams contributor.
Weaknesses
- Not strong in coverage.
- Has to work on shedding tacklers.
- Not a sideline to sideline defender.
- Prior PED suspension.
Let’s See His Work
Have been told that the #Bengals, #Redskins and #Raiders have shown significant interest in Michigan State LB Joe Bachie. The #Lions have also had a FaceTime meeting with him.
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) April 5, 2020
He’s currently preparing a Pro Day type of workout video to send to teams.
How He Would Fit
When I first heard the Redskins might be interested in Bachie and then got into looking at his background, I was a bit surprised. His play limitations, which seem to line up pretty closely with Thomas Davis and Jon Bostic, and his suspension troubles, which seem inconsistent with the “character guys” that Rivera and Smith appear most interested in, left me scratching my head.
Perhaps the team’s engagement is intended to flesh out whether the PED concerns are founded or not, or perhaps it’s simply a red herring. In any case, if the team were to take a late round flyer on Bachie it would most likely be to groom someone to replace aging free agents on the roster and to provide sub-package depth.