David Bass

Though he only saw limited action at defensive end last season behind pricey defensive ends Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston, and Willie Young, Bass was quite effective on a per-snap basis. In only eight games in which he only saw more than 40 snaps one time, Bass accrued three sacks and 10 tackles. With Houston (torn ACL) and Young (torn Achilles) both coming off serious injuries entering training camp, Bass could surpass either or both players on the depth chart at outside linebacker, the new position he’ll play in Vic Fangio’s 3-4 setup. At 256 pounds, Bass is more svelte than Houston and Allen, which would seemingly make him a more natural fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker, where some pass coverage ability is a necessity. For his part, Bass impressed the Bears’ new coaching staff during minicamp, and if he’s able to carry that momentum throughout the summer, he should be on steady ground for a roster spot.

Bass proved highly useful in a reserve role for the Bears as a rookie last season, accumulating 23 tackles, a sack, and even returning an interception for a touchdown. However, after the offseason additions of defensive ends Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston and Willie Young, Bass could struggle to see snaps in 2014.

During his time at Division-II Missouri Western State, Bass recorded 56 tackles for loss and 39.5 sacks in 50 games. He didn't look out of place in the Shrine Game, but the 6-4 Bass may need some time to get acclimated to the speed of the NFL. Still, he figures to serve as a top backup on the right side of the defensive line in his first year with the Raiders.