Saints UDFA Rookie Profile: Joe Bachie, LB

Poor man's AJ Klein? Interestingly, scouts say similar things about each other's game.





Strengths

• a three year starter that served as the leader
• Active and instinctual linebacker
• very intelligent and instinctual football player.
• He reads his keys well, trusts what he sees, and very rarely takes false steps, or wastes motions.
• Flashes quickness to the ball due to great hustle and immediate play recognition.
• Scrapes adeptly, finding his way across the formation to stuff runs.
• Uses his hands to swipe off oncoming blockers, and fight through traffic.
• Takes on blocks well before shedding.
• Stacks running backs in the hole, stops their momentum.
• Does a good job getting proper depth in his drops, while never losing sight of the quarterback.

Weaknesses

• Lacks elite straight-line and recovery speed.
• Struggles to in man coverage.
• Cannot consistently run down plays from the back side.
• Inconsistent breaking down to make stops in space.
• Lacks great flexibility to turn the corner as a pass rusher or adjust to elusive ballcarriers.

NFL Comparison
Scott Shanle :bowdown2: :ezbill:





Strengths

• Three-year starter and team captain
• 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