Joe Bachie: The Colts’ Quiet Force on Special Teams and a Wild Card in the Linebacker Room
While most NFL fans focus on star quarterbacks, flashy wide receivers, or dominant edge rushers during training camp previews, there’s always that one under-the-radar guy grinding it out, day in and day out. That’s Joe Bachie for the Indianapolis Colts. And heading into the 2025 NFL season, he’s a name worth paying attention to.
Let’s get this straight—Joe Bachie probably won’t be the Week 1 starter at linebacker. He’s not the headline grabber. But does he have a real shot at making the final 53-man roster? Absolutely. And if you’ve been following the Colts this offseason, that shouldn’t come as a surprise.
🔹 Who Is Joe Bachie?
Here’s the basic rundown:
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Height: 6'2"
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Weight: 235 lbs
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Age: 27
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NFL Seasons: Entering Year 5
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College: Michigan State
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Jersey Number: 48
Joe Bachie’s path to the NFL wasn’t lined with red carpet treatment. After going undrafted in 2020, he had brief stints with the Saints and the Eagles before catching on with the Cincinnati Bengals. That’s where he really started carving out a role for himself—especially on special teams.
Fast forward to 2024, and Bachie is now suiting up for the Colts, thanks to a free agent signing that may not have made headlines but could pay off in a big way when roster cuts start rolling in.
📊 2024 By the Numbers
Bachie’s contributions on defense last season? Let’s just say they were limited—but not insignificant.
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Defensive Snaps: 36
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Special Teams Snaps: 220
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PFF Defensive Grade: 63.7
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PFF Special Teams Grade: 64.3
At first glance, those defensive snaps might make it look like he was glued to the bench. But don’t sleep on his value. On special teams, he played in five out of six phases—something that not many players can claim. Across the league, only 217 players logged at least 200 special teams snaps in 2024. Bachie ranked 129th among them, according to Pro Football Focus.
🧠 Experience with Lou Anarumo? That’s Huge.
Here’s where things get spicy. The Colts brought in Lou Anarumo as their new defensive coordinator, and guess who’s been running with Anarumo for the last four seasons in Cincinnati? Yep—Joe Bachie.
That experience gives him a major edge. While other linebackers will be trying to absorb a brand-new system over the summer, Bachie already knows the drill. That kind of familiarity can’t be taught in a crash course—and it could be a deciding factor in whether or not he sticks on the roster.
Think about it: A new defensive scheme is being implemented, and there’s already a ton of inexperience across the linebacker room. Someone like Bachie, who can act as a bridge between coach and players, becomes a valuable asset—even if he’s not starting.
🛡️ Special Teams Warrior
Let’s give special teams the love it deserves. It may not be sexy, but it wins games—and Bachie has been a mainstay there.
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Over 200 special teams snaps for three consecutive seasons.
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Played five out of six special teams phases in 2024.
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Consistently grades above average.
Outside of Zaire Franklin, no linebacker on the Colts has more career special teams snaps than Bachie. That alone could lock in his spot as a depth linebacker and special teams captain-in-the-making.
The Colts know that reliable special teams guys don’t grow on trees. Bachie brings that grit-and-grind mentality, that do-your-job professionalism that makes coaches sleep a little easier at night.
🔍 Roster Outlook: Bubble Guy or Lock?
Earlier this offseason, a lot of analysts took a stab at the Colts’ potential 53-man roster. Bachie? He wasn’t just on the radar—he was firmly penciled in within the linebacker group.
That’s not to say his job is guaranteed. Guys like Austin Ajiake and Liam Anderson are also in the mix. There’s competition, for sure. But here’s the deal: with the linebacker position loaded with young, relatively unproven talent, Bachie’s blend of experience and special teams prowess gives him a clear path to earning his keep.
And remember—injuries happen. Defensive schemes get tweaked. If Bachie finds himself in the rotation on defense later in the season, don’t be shocked. The dude knows how to prepare and execute when called upon.
✍️ Storyline to Watch This Summer
Training camp is where guys like Bachie make noise—not with flash, but with fundamentals.
✔️ Already familiar with the defensive scheme
✔️ Brings leadership and professionalism
✔️ Core special teams contributor
✔️ No learning curve for the system
✔️ Veteran edge in a young position group
If you’re following the Colts at camp this summer, keep an eye on No. 48. He might not be getting the most reps on defense, but watch what happens during special teams drills. Listen to the coaches barking instructions. More often than not, Bachie will be at the center of it.
🎯 Final Thought: More Than Just a Role Player
In today’s NFL, where teams are constantly juggling cap space, injuries, and scheme fits, a player like Joe Bachie becomes way more valuable than he might look on paper.
He’s the kind of guy who quietly becomes a locker room favorite. Coaches trust him. Teammates rely on him. Fans? They’ll start to recognize his name when that clutch special teams tackle flips field position.
No, Bachie isn’t aiming to be the next Darius Leonard. But he’s not trying to be. He knows his lane—and he owns it. And for the Colts, that might be exactly what they need in 2025.
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