With the 193rd pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the Indianapolis Colts select
Joe Bachie, ILB, Michigan State
Will be a big hit with the coaches, guy is a smart player and will play anywhere asked--think he is at worst a practice squad player
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Productive and tough, Bachie is a limited inside linebacker who needs the action to stay in his living room in order to make plays. He is a natural at the position with a feel for flowing to the football ahead of blocks or smartly hanging back when he senses misdirection. His play strength and contact balance are a plus but teams might view them with some skepticism after a failed PED test. He will struggle with man coverage but plays passing lanes from zone effectively. 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.
Strengths
Joe Bachie, ILB, Michigan State
Will be a big hit with the coaches, guy is a smart player and will play anywhere asked--think he is at worst a practice squad player
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Productive and tough, Bachie is a limited inside linebacker who needs the action to stay in his living room in order to make plays. He is a natural at the position with a feel for flowing to the football ahead of blocks or smartly hanging back when he senses misdirection. His play strength and contact balance are a plus but teams might view them with some skepticism after a failed PED test. He will struggle with man coverage but plays passing lanes from zone effectively. 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.
Strengths
- Three-year starter and team captain
- Hit 100-tackle total twice in his career
- Natural feel to shadow ball-carrier from second level
- Recognizes play design and plays ahead of combo blocks
- Turns shoulder to slip blocks or takes them on with pop in his gloves
- Steps deeply into gap to constrict runner's options
- Leverage and leg strength to fight through angle blocks
- Rarely out of position as a tackler
- Impressive ball production against the pass
- Reads quarterback accurately and moves toward passing lane
Weaknesses
- Suspended in second half of 2019 season due to positive PED test
- Slow-twitch prospect lacking burst to close
- Misses out on perimeter tackles due to range issues
- Tightly bound with limited length
- Below average reactive athleticism
- Change of direction is heavy and ineffective
- Can be targeted by opponents if asked to cover man