JB #31

Jeffrey Bassa

Linebacker · Oregon

A former defensive back who converted to linebacker, Bassa brings coverage instincts the Chiefs have leaned on early in his career.

Jeffrey Bassa joined Kansas City as a fifth-round pick out of Oregon in 2025 and quickly carved out a role thanks to his background in the secondary. He is still developing as a run defender, but his ability to match up in coverage has made him a useful piece in the Chiefs' linebacker rotation.

★ Second-team All-Pac-12 (2023)

★ 2024 Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP

★ Four career interceptions at Oregon

Path to the league

Bassa played four seasons at Oregon from 2021 to 2024, finishing his college career with 138 total tackles, 17.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, four interceptions and 10 pass breakups. He earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023 after racking up 71 tackles, and he served as Oregon's on-field defensive play-caller in 2024. The Chiefs took him with the 156th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a selection acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Career highlights

Bassa was Oregon's Defensive MVP of the 2024 Fiesta Bowl, recording eight tackles in a win over Liberty. He also scored on a 45-yard interception return against Texas Tech in 2023. His background as a converted defensive back shows up on tape, giving him natural coverage ability that stands out compared to typical linebacker prospects.

2025 season recap

As a rookie, Bassa worked into Kansas City's linebacker rotation behind veterans Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill, posting 10 tackles and a forced fumble through the middle of the season. Pro Football Focus graded him well in coverage, reflecting the strength scouts flagged coming out of Oregon, even as his run-defense grade lagged behind. He enters his second season looking to expand his role beyond a situational, coverage-heavy package.