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Hank Bachmeier Notes

2025 NFL Draft Preview

February 6, 2025

These NFL Draft Preview notes are some observations and thoughts I have I as review the QB play across the country this year. There are so many things guys are doing well and sometimes there are coaching points we can all benefit from hearing again. Rooting for nothing but success for every QB that steps on the field, there is plenty to learn from these vets preparing for their next opportunity.

Hank Bachmeier, Wake Forest, 6'2, 215, 4.85

2024 224c/357a 62.7% 2,593yds 16td 10int 1rtd

+ THROWING ON THE RUN

Hank does a nice job on this designed dash pass of using fundamentals to secure the red zone TD. His initial eyes do just enough to bring the edge rusher inside of his lead back, giving him access to the perimeter. Hank gains depth in his drop and gets his shoulders downhill to his target. Using a short takeaway, he attacks the throw with a quick release, doing a great job exchanging his shoulders while maintaining level rotation. His feet are in rythm as he releases the ball on-time with anticipation. A+ example of red zone movement fundamentals.

+ POCKET MECHANICS

This is a textbook example of playing in rythm. He takes a comfortable drop, on balance, utilizing a timing reset, before delivering a strike backshoulder ball. The firm-with-an-arc pass is very difficult to defend especially with a favorable size matchup. This is achived by having his feet underneath him to generate lift, similar in width to a vertical jump test, while exchanging his shoulders to the target. His chest stays up while his chin down to keep the ball from sailing. Done to perfection, Hank makes this look effortless and routine.

+ VELOCITY AVAILABLE

The ability to call on added velocity is a luxury that not all QBs have. The violence in which Hank attacks the throw to turn up the mph reminds me of Stafford. The finish in this throw is eerily similar to that other #9, but with that ability comes the added responsibly to use it wisely. I counted at least 4 tipped balls for INTs this year that may have come in a little hotter than the WR could handle.

+ EFFECTIVE MOBILITY

Being willing and assertive is the key to keeping the defense honest. It doesn't take blazing speed or elite wiggle to give the number advantage back to the guys up front. When the opportunity presents itself to punish the defense for cheating the drill, Hank does a great job of running north and south with conviction.

- PROCESSING SACKS

Sacks are one of the few absolute drive killers. There aren't a lot of great plays available when you're playing behind the chains. This is one area that Hank could revisit this off-season as he took over 40 sacks this year. Having a plan and utilizing elite preperation are the best ways to avoid taking sacks. There is a lot going on in the example above that could have been exploited, like only having 10 players on defense, or knowing there is no help for the field CB in Cover 4 when you align 3x1 to the boundry. Feeling the missing defender or having absolute mastery of defensive coverage rules could have given this drive some more life.

- LOCKING ON

When you have an elite receiver or a high comfort level with a play concept, you can be seduced into forcing passes. Hank made some big plays giving guys chances down the field in matchups that he liked, but there were times when that tunnel vision caught up to him. Lacking a complimentary route, Hank can't force a ball to a WR without finding that underneath defender. It is critical to keep the ball out of danger, turnovers are often the difference in the game.

In summary, Hank has a lot to like. He has very sound foundational mechanics and the ability to turn up the tempo when needed. I look forward to following his journey and will be rooting for his success.

-Coach Nate Longshore