Did the Seahawks sign a defensive end or a linebacker?
The Seahawks released several players today to make room for the impending (and long-expected) signings of more undrafted free agents. Right now we’ll take a look at the newest Seahawk, David Bass.
Bass has experience on and off the line
At 6’4” and 256 pounds, Bass is at the ideal size to move between the outside linebacking corps and the down linemen. While Bass played outside linebacker for the Tennessee Titans the past two seasons, it’s expected that coaches Pete Carroll and Kris Richard will use him on the defensive line more often. Bass played defensive end for the Chicago Bears in his first two years in the league, so he’s no stranger to the position.
A record-setting defensive end
His college career as a defensive end pointed toward the NFL. True, Missouri Western State won’t be invited to any impending mega-conference, but they play some good ball in the Mid-America Conference. Bass holds the school record for sacks at 40.5. Besides, how cool is it to say you were a Griffon? All this made Bass only the fifth player from his school to be drafted by an NFL team. Please note, the Oakland Raiders took Bass in the seventh round. The round is important; don’t worry, we’ll come back to that later.
The Raiders released Bass, but he found a home with the Bears that same season. Bass first saw action in October, playing in 12 games in all and getting one start. The young defensive end saw less action in 2014 as he played in just eight games and again got one start.
The move to linebacker pays off
Released by the Bears, Bass found a new home in Tennessee. The Titans saw new possibilities in the former three-sport athlete, and moved him behind the line for 2015. His athleticism got him into every game and into the starting lineup by Week 11. In all, Bass made 7 starts and notched 37 total tackles, with 1.5 sacks and a pick. 2016 saw Bass back on the bench, although he did pull off a 47 touchdown with a fumble recovery in the preseason. The team he scored on? Of course, the Oakland Raiders. Here he is in all his glory, courtesy of titansonline.com.
Another chess piece for the Seahawks
And now Mr. Bass joins the Seahawks. Remember, he was a seventh round pick, and he’s entering his fifth season in the NFL. Don’t discount those 7th round guys. Now, a key word about the move of Bass back to the defensive line: expected. Bass provides that one quality that the Seahawks coaching staff values above almost all else – versatility. With the expectation that recent pickup Dion Jordan may also flip between a rush end and an outside linebacker spot, Bass provides another strong situational player that can keep opposing offenses guessing. Add the rumor that Kam Chancellor may move into the linebacker role as well, and the Seahawks can keep offensive coordinators through the league ordering Tylenol by the case.