Everything Chiefs fans need to know about KC's Round 5 pick Oregon Ducks LB Jeffrey Bassa
The Kansas City Chiefs will have a deep pool of linebackers to patrol the middle of Steve Spagnuolo's defense next season, especially after the team's decision to select Oregon Ducks star Jeffrey Bassa in Round 5 of the 2025 NFL draft last week.
Despite his status as a fifth-rounder, Bassa has the potential to be an underrated contributor for the Chiefs as a rookie, especially if he earns a role on Kansas City's special teams unit.
Take a look at everything the Chiefs had to say about Bassa in their official draft packet:
Jeffrey Bassa college bio
"Spent four seasons at Oregon (2021-24)… Played in 55 games (42 starts) and recorded 235 tackles (125 solo), 13 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, three interceptions, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one defensive touchdown… Played in all 14 games (12 starts) for the Ducks in 2024… Tallied 54 tackles (23 solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles… Started all 14 games in 2023 Recorded 71 tackles (42 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits, one interception which he returned for a touchdown and one pass defensed… Played in 13 games (nine starts) for the Ducks in 2022… Recorded 62 tackles (31 solo), four tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, one quarterback hit and two interceptions… Played in 14 games (seven starts) as a freshman at Oregon… Compiled 48 tackles (29 solo), three tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, two quarterback hits and one pass defensed… All-Big Ten honorable mention (2024)… Coaches All-Pac-12 second-team (2023)… Associated Press All-Pac 12 second-team (2023)… Vrbo Liberty Bowl Defensive MVP (2023)."
Jeffrey Bassa personal notes
A four-star recruit by Rivals while also being ranked as the 31st best safety in the nation.
No. 1 ranked athlete in Utah by ESPN.
A four-year letterwinner and a two-year team captain, who played both offense and defense for Kearns High School (Utah).
Jeffrey Bassa draft notes
Bassa becomes the first linebacker to be selected by the Chiefs in the fifth round since LBUkeme Eligwe was taken 183rd overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.
The Chiefs have selected three other players in franchise history with the 156th overall pick,most recently selecting DT Rob Waldrop out of Arizona in the 1994 NFL draft. Prior to Waldrop,the club selected DT/DE Robert Hews (1970, Princeton) and KR Noland Smith (1967, TennesseeState) with the 156th overall pick.
Kansas City has selected twelve linebackers in the fifth round with the addition of Bassa. Prior tohis selection, the franchise drafted LB Ukeme Eligwe (2017, Georgia Southern), LB D.J.Alexander (2015, Oregon State), LB Gabe Miller (2011, Oregon State), LB Cameron Sheffield(2010, Troy), LB Boomer Grigsby (2005, Illinois State), LB Scott Fujita (2002, California), LBJerrott Willard (1995, California), LB Jeff Paine (1984, Texas A&M), LB Jimbo Elrod (1976,Oklahoma), DE/LB Milton Davis (1972, Texas – Arlington) and LB Bob Stein (1969, Minnesota) inthe fifth round.
The selection of Bassa marks the first time the Chiefs have drafted a defensive player in the fifthround since the selection of DE BJ Thompson out of Stephen F. Austin with the 166th pick in the2023 NFL Draft.
Bassa was the second linebacker taken in the fifth round and the 13th linebacker taken overallin the 2025 NFL Draft.
Bassa is the eighth player to be selected out of Oregon in the 2025 NFL Draft and the onlyformer Oregon Duck on the current Chiefs roster.
What did Bassa have to say after the Chiefs picked him?
Q: How much have you watched the Chiefs and what have you learned about them?
BASSA: 'Honestly, playing football at a high level and just watching football on Sundays after your gameson Saturdays, you're so used to seeing – watching the Chiefs and everything that they do great, right?Obviously, they have Patrick Mahomes, a great quarterback who is always being talked about. Just a greatorganization, and great program and great culture filled with great people, right? Then, all the history thatthey've had over the past couple of years. Guys in the past, like (former Chiefs QB) Alex Smith and thenlegendary Head Coach Andy Reid. Especially in my room, guys like Nick Bolton. I think just having theopportunity to be able to watch them and then now being a part of that, it means a lot. I'm so blessed tobe in this opportunity and be in this position.'
Q: Do you think you would play inside or outside linebacker?
BASSA: 'Really, either or. Whatever position that (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Coach Spagsand (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid and all the coaches see me at – I really feel like I'll be most comfortable in.Really, my main mindset heading into this first year is going to be to learn from guys like Drue (Tranquill)and guys like Nick (Bolton). Being able to come in with a growth mindset, with an open mindset withwhatever position they see me at, that is the position I'm going to master and put my best foot forwardfor.'
Q: How surprised were you that the Chiefs traded up for you and that you were still on the draft board?
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