10 UDFAs who could make the most impact in the 2020 NFL season

By Matt Conner | Jul 23, 2020

HONOLULU, HI - NOVEMBER 09: Josh Love #12 of the San Jose State Spartans looks downfield for an open receiver during the second quarter of the game against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at Aloha Stadium on November 9, 2019 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

7 of 10

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 29: Linebacker Joe Bachie of Michigan State runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4. Joe Bachie, LB, New Orleans Saints

If you’re looking for a good bet to make the team, it’s hard to ignore the $160K that the New Orleans Saints gave Michigan State linebacker Joe Bachie to sign with them.

At 6-foot-2, 231 pounds, Bachie has been a playmaker for the lauded Spartans defense for the last few seasons as a physical run-stopper who is a great finisher once he’s got a hand on the ball carrier. While he’s an undrafted free agent, Bachie has a decent shot at earning meaningful reps for the Saints sometime this season given his toughness, his pro-ready skill set as a run defender, and his penchant for showing up when the stakes are highest.

Every team thrives off of having these kinds of deep talents on special teams and defense on rookie deals, and Bachie has a real chance to stick around in the Big Easy for the next few years. He’s tough as nails, thrives on competition, brings everything on every play, and has the patience and intelligence to adjust quickly to the NFL. Don’t be surprised if Bachie not only makes the Saints but earns more snaps than what you might expect from a rookie free agent.

Home/NFL