There is little doubt that the Bucs’ front-office personnel on hand in Mobile, Alabama this week will be closely monitoring the inside linebacker position. It is one of the handful of defensive needs the team has on that side of the football, and it is a position that could be bolstered in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Among the players Tampa Bay could target is Oregon inside linebacker Jeffrey Bassa. Bassa gained plenty of experience with the Ducks as a four-year starter who played 55 games and played at a high level against high-level competition – which included Bucs running back Bucky Irving.
He discussed the practice battles he had with Irving in 2022 and 2023 and what he is looking to accomplish this week while talking with Pewter Report after Tuesday’s Senior Bowl practice.
Jeffrey Bassa Wants To Show Why He Should Be High Up Draft Boards
Jeffrey Bassa is among the countless top college prospects who make the trek to the Senior Bowl with one thing on their mind.
Proving themselves.
Although Bassa put together a productive four seasons with the Oregon Ducks, he came into the week with a mid-round grade. Every player has the chance to bump up their draft stock in front of coaches, scouts, and executives by making plays and being consistent. Count him in as someone who wants to fly around, have fun, and keep up the energy.
“It was good,” Bassa said about how the first practice went. “Coming out here, flying around, being with the guys. Going through individual [drills] for the first time, putting this helmet on again for this last week. Being out here with the guys, a new group, so creating a bond with these guys but then competing at the highest level. Going up against the National team throughout seven-on-seven periods and then team periods as well. A lot of energy — flying around and having fun.”
Not only does Bassa want to play hard, but he wants to show that he can play each level of the field and deserves to be higher up big boards.
“Just a consistent guy that’s going to come out here and compete at the highest level and get 1% better every day, but then show these teams that I’m a true four-down linebacker and that I should be high up their boards,” Bassa said about what he wants to showcase this week.
“I know all eyes are going to be here, so I think there’s a great opportunity to show teams that I can play the run very well, guard running backs out of the backfield, run with tight ends, and run with receivers when you do need me to. I can play at all levels, and then special teams as well. Special teams is a high value and I take a lot of pride in it.”
Jeffrey Bassa’s Battles With Bucky Irving Made Them Both Better
What makes players better is who they go up against in practice. Jeffrey Bassa had the chance to face off against Bucs running back Bucky Irving for two seasons in 2022 and 2023. Bassa first smiled when asked about those times as he reflected on those good ol’ days.
He was more than happy to share how those battles made them better.
“Bucky Irving, man,” Bassa said. “Got a lot of respect for him. I’m not surprised at the season that he had because going up against him in practice every day, that’s what he brings. He’s a guy that plays with a lot of passion and a guy that can run the ball really well but then also catch screens out the backfield and run great routes.
“Having the opportunity to go against him for the past couple of years while I was at Oregon, I was very blessed and fortunate to just get that competition every day. Whether that was one-on-ones, pass rush, or one-on-ones guarding him, it made me and him both better.”
Jeffrey Bassa Flashed Playmaking Ability With Ducks, Is Willing To Bulk Up
The converted defensive back transitioned to inside linebacker for his sophomore season and did not look back. Jeffrey Bassa flashed a knack for making plays with three interceptions between 2022 and 2024, including a 45-yard pick-six in 2023. While he did not record an interception in 2024, he finished with 54 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks.
Throughout Tuesday’s practice, he displayed a knack for staying around the ball and against ball carriers in coverage.
Here, he recovered to force the ball out of Michigan running back Donovan Edwards’ hands.
Then, he broke down another nice play he made with Pewter Report. It sounds like he would fit right into head coach Todd Bowles’ defense.
Bassa wants to stay nimble and play around the 226 pounds he measured in at, but is willing to put on several pounds and condition himself.
“If teams do need me to bulk up, that’s something that I’ll do,” Bassa said. “Whatever’s good for the team or whatever they need me at. I feel pretty good around the 225 and above area, that’s really where I feel like I can still strike blockers and play the run but also feel comfortable in my body running. Whether that’s 233 or 235 [pounds], I feel like I can get conditioned and condition my body to get to that point.”
The Bucs may be forced to replace Lavonte David this offseason, and David is someone who has played around the 233-pound weight throughout his entire career. Jeffrey Bassa wants to follow suit and become a true imposer in the middle of an NFL defense.
“A real do-it-all linebacker,” Bassa said on the type of player he wants to become. “A real Swiss-army knife type of linebacker is what I like to call myself.”
