Kansas City Chiefs LB Jeffrey Bassa discusses his communication skills at the NFL level
Kansas City Chiefs LB Jeffrey Bassa discusses his communication skills at the NFL level
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Oregon linebacker Jeffrey Bassa in the fifth round with the 156th pick in this year's NFL Draft, securing a versatile signal caller and occasional option in the secondary. On Sunday, he spoke with media members at rookie camp, sharing his thoughts on learning defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's game plan and communication skills in his role.
"So far, I mean, everybody knows that (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Coach Spags' defense is really complex, but coming into rookie minicamp, you obviously want to get a head start on that, right?" said Bassa, "I feel the opportunity to come out here for rookie minicamp, learn the defense, (and) kind of go through the first couple (of) installs has been really good for me. Overall, I feel like I'm catching on pretty well. Honestly, right now I feel like I'm at a good stage where I can keep going back and looking at the notes and looking at the film and say, 'Okay, I was supposed to do this instead of this,' right? So, just catching on slowly day by day."
During the 2024 season, Bassa was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Conference with the Ducks and played in all 14 games, starting in 12. He finished with 54 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.
"I think it (communication) tremendously drives my game. A guy who was responsible for doing all of that at Oregon, I feel like that translates here as well, especially under (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spag's defense." said Bassa, "You have to be a linebacker that can communicate, make sure your defensive line's set as well as making sure the DB's are on the same page as everybody else, right? I took a lot of pride in that at Oregon, so for me to have the same role, kind of heading into a defense where there's a lot of communication, I feel like that's the perfect situation for me. I just have to keep getting better at making sure everybody's right (and) making sure I'm always one step ahead of the game."
Being a former safety, Bassa could make him an essential defensive utility player who can step into several roles for Spagnuolo's schemes. The veteran coordinator is known for utilizing multiple players in various roles throughout a game and season.
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