An under-the-radar linebacker is turning heads in the Colts’ training camp practices, particularly with his play in coverage.
Linebacker Joe Bachie, who the Indianapolis Colts signed this offseason as a free agent, has been turning heads in training camp, particularly with his coverage abilities.
Joel Erickson of the Indy Star would note in his training camp takeaways from Saturday that Bachie had a pass breakup against Anthony Richardson, and then another against Daniel Jones.
These two plays weren’t a one-off either, as from the sounds of it, Bachie has been flashing his coverage skills over the first four practices. Erickson would add that Bachie “has been all over the field” so far.
Bachie has been a core special teams contributor during his NFL career. Undrafted in 2020, Bachie has played 921 special teams snaps since that season, including 200-plus in each of the last three years, according to PFF.
Defensively during that span, Bachie has played only 238 snaps, 160 of which came in the 2021 season.
However, of note, Bachie played the last four seasons in Cincinnati under Lou Anarumo, making him extremely familiar with the new Colts‘ defensive scheme that is being implemented.
While Zaire Franklin is sidelined, Bachie and other linebackers are getting some added opportunities. The starting linebacker jobs, of course, still belong to Franklin and Jaylon Carlies, but with spots on the depth chart up for grabs, Bachie is making a push for that third linebacker role.