Jets 2018 Training Camp Profile: LB David Bass

New York Jets linebacker David Bass is entering his sixth season with his fifth ball club. He joins the dubious club of players who often find themselves roaming from organization to organization.

History may prove itself prophetic as New York Jets linebacker David Bass could find himself at season’s end, again a nomad searching for some other place to call home. His repertoire has always listed football instinct and versatility as his most valuable assets. The second-year Jets linebacker has a chance to make the upcoming 2018 season his best one yet.

2017 SEASON REVIEW

When the Seattle Seahawks released Bass at the start of the 2017 NFL season, he had one tackle in the first two games. Joining the Jets in Week 3, Bass showed signs that he could be the much-needed boost to a throttling defense with high expectations.

In his first two games, Bass amounted two sacks more than absentee defensive star Muhammad Wilkerson. He finished the season with 3.5 sacks , 26 tackles and 12 quarterback hits.

After re-signing with the Jets this offseason, Todd Bowles and coaching staff signaled they were betting on Bass’s ability to continue the hard work, make improvements, and add spark in the upcoming season.

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2018 SEASON OUTLOOK

How does Bass fit into the picture for the Jets defense this season? Historically, the second season production on each of his previous teams declined by more than half. However, Bass’ role as a reserve and rotational player is without the expectation of a starter.

Realistically, not every player must be the star. Often, situational players like Bass are important pieces to the overall plan. He is not a stand out player, neither is he a game changer. As an edge rusher, linebacker, or special teams member, his greatest contribution is continuing to work hard within his skill set and pulling his weight.

TRAINING CAMP PREDICTION

We should expect Bass to work hard in training camp and even impress in preseason action because he has done so in the past. Bass is not a fearful player, however, he has been known to get to the quarterback creating positive plays for the defense. Consequently, what he may lack in numbers production, his football instinct, physicality, and versatility across positions is perhaps what may keep him on the final 53-man roster.