Jeffrey Bassa, a fifth‑round pick for Kansas City, starred in Week 1 of the 2025 preseason, leading the Chiefs with six tackles (three solo) and adding a QB hit. The performance spotlighted a deep KC linebacker corps and raised questions about how many of the veterans—Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and Leo Chenal—will be kept on the roster. Bassa’s fluid closing speed and instinct suggest he could carve out a rotational role in Steve Spagnuolo’s front seven, especially if he continues to show up on early downs and in run fits.

Nick Bolton, linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, expressed his admiration for rookie linebacker Jeffrey Bassa during a recent minicamp press conference. Bolton noted Bassa's impressive communication skills and compared his playing style to former teammates Willie Gay Jr. and Leo Chenal. Bolton highlighted Bassa's high football IQ and athleticism, praising his ability to cover ground effectively despite being lighter in stature. Bolton's mentorship of Bassa showcases the strong bond forming within the Chiefs' linebacker corps, which could translate into a more dynamic defense this season.

The Kansas City Chiefs' rookie class has made a strong impression as they transition into Phase Two of their offseason program. The coaching staff is now hands-on with the new draftees, including first-round pick Josh Simmons and seventh-rounder Brashard Smith. This year's rookies are not just focusing on their skills; they also participated in a creative social media initiative that showcased their personalities through 'back-to-school' style photographs. These fun images allowed fans to get to know the new faces of the franchise a little better.

Among the featured players were offensive tackle Josh Simmons, defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, and running back Brashard Smith. Each rookie posed with personalized signs detailing interesting facts about themselves. This blend of preparation and personality showcases the Chiefs' commitment to developing their young talent while fostering a connection with fans.

The Kansas City Chiefs have added versatility to their defense by selecting linebacker Jeffrey Bassa from Oregon in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. During rookie camp, Bassa expressed enthusiasm for mastering defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's complex scheme, emphasizing the importance of communication and leadership skills he honed at Oregon. With a record of 54 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in a starting role, Bassa aims to transition those skills to the NFL, where his ability to adapt and communicate effectively on the field is crucial for success.

Bassa's unique background as a former safety enhances his potential as a multi-faceted player in Spagnuolo's system, where the coordinator is known for employing players in different roles. His commitment to learning the game and improving daily positions him as a player to watch in the upcoming season, potentially solidifying a significant role in the Chiefs' defensive lineup.

The Kansas City Chiefs have officially signed rookie linebacker Jeffrey Bassa and running back Brashard Smith to their first professional contracts. Bassa, chosen in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, comes from a successful run at the University of Oregon, while Smith, selected in the seventh round, previously played for Southern Methodist University.

Both signings are significant for the Chiefs as they bolster their roster with potential playmakers in their respective positions. Bassa's collegiate achievements suggest he could quickly adapt to the NFL's physical demands, while Smith's dynamic skill set might yield considerable impact as a rookie.