[jwplayer QdR5S1l2]
Continuing our series looking at different Michigan State Football alumni who are heading into this week’s NFL Draft we come to the man who was Michigan State’s starting middle linebacker for the better part of the three seasons: Joe Bachie.
The former First-Team All-Big Ten and two-time team captain will be entering the draft after missing the final five games of the season due to a suspension relating to PEDs.
The SpartansWire take:
If you enter Joe Bachie’s vicinity, you are going to be tackled. Bachie is a tackling machine who was Michigan State’s true defensive leader, as well as their heart and soul, for three seasons.
I have no doubt that he has a role to play in the NFL, however, it is hard not to see the criticisms of Bachie. Despite posting solid speed numbers at the combine, he did not flash must quick speed at the college level. Also noted by some analysts below, he would also struggle to shed blocks at times.
Basically, if you come near Bachie and he isn’t being caught up in a mess of blocks, he will tackle you more often than not. If he has to cover a lot of distance or blockers to make a tackle, things get tougher for him. That might limit his upside in the NFL but I think as a reliable tackler who can helm a defense I don’t think it would be absurd for him to go in the third or fourth round.
What analysts are saying:
DraftWire has Bachie as their No. 203 ranked draft prospect which puts him in the 5th round.
“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.”
“His technique and play recognition will stand out for defensive coaches, but it might not matter if his speed and athletic testing don’t check out.”
“Overall, Bachie is an active, intense competitor with the toughness and awareness required for the pro game, but his athletic limitations might make it tough for him to surpass backup status in the NFL.”
“You have what happened with him missing games. … I thought he did a good job directing traffic,” Jeremiah said. “He can float, sort and fill and make some plays there. I just thought he had really average speed and range and I didn’t anticipate he would get drafted.”
NFL Combine Results:
Height: 6-1
Weight: 230
Arms: 31 5/8″
Hands: 10 1/4″
40-yard dash: 4.67 seconds
Bench press: 26 reps (2nd among LBs)
Vertical jump: 33.5 inches
Broad jump: 119.0 inches
3-Cone drill: 6.93 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.34 seconds
60-yard shuttle: N/A
College Stats:
285 tackles, 7 sacks, 5 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles