Film Room: UDFA RG T.J. Bass shows massive upside in NFL debut

[America's Cowboy]

UDFA rookie Right Guard #66 TJ Bass has an excellent performance debut for the Dallas Cowboys during their 2023 preseason game vs the Jacksonville Jaguars. Check the video out. Enjoy...

 

[AsthmaField]

I appreciate you posting this here man…

 

[America's Cowboy]

I appreciate you posting this here man…

You're very welcome bro.

I just came off a 24 hour benching for calling out a fellow zoner. Sorry about that.

 

[viman96]

IMO Bass has earned more reps in games. Pulling for this dude to make the team.

 

[dware94]

Bostick stood out to me in this video as well.

 

[Carson]

Bass, Bostick and Richards played well!

 

[BleedSilverandBlue]

Maybe Bass is the OL depth that this team is going to need?

I'm pretty wary about UDFA offensive linemen since they almost never contribute immediately, but the Cowboys might have found something here.

I think that we all should be pretty pleased with how Bass, Richards, and Bostick played in the first game. I think they all did well for their first time out.

 

[InPhiltraitor]

UDFA rookie Right Guard #66 TJ Bass has an excellent performance debut for the Dallas Cowboys during their 2023 preseason game vs the Jacksonville Jaguars. Check the video out. Enjoy...

Great vid. I shouldn't be surprised at this as I followed Oregon closely throughout T.J.'s time in Eugene.

He came to Dallas after logging a lot of snaps at Oregon, and I think he had a stretch of over 30 consecutive starts. Also believe he garnered a few nice accolades while working with a very experienced group that really grew up together during his run.

 

[buddieluver]

Bostick stood out to me in this video as well.

Broaddus talks about him standing out in this video.

 

[gimmesix]

UDFA rookie Right Guard #66 TJ Bass has an excellent performance debut for the Dallas Cowboys during their 2023 preseason game vs the Jacksonville Jaguars. Check the video out. Enjoy...

I was going to go back and watch all the linemen individually. I agree that this video shows Bass played very well.

 

[DCCowboys11]

Bass played on the left side in college (Left Tackle). Seems like it would make sense for them to try him at left guard.

 

[gimmesix]

Bass played on the left side in college (Left Tackle). Seems like it would make sense for them to try him at left guard.

Showed nice versatility in his movement to handle the right-side switch, though. Some can do that well, some cannot.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Lance Zierlein NFL Analyst
Draft Projection Rounds 5-6

Overview
Former tackle projecting to guard-only prospect with a broad frame, good power and below-average athleticism. Bass’ lack of arm length will be a concern at any O-line position, but he plays with inside hands and decent know-how, so he should be able to work around it. He’s tight-hipped and doesn’t play with great pad level or a wide base but still manages to create some movement with powerful leg drive. He lacks lateral quickness as a zone blocker and loses effectiveness the further he gets away from home base. Bass’ toughness and size will give him a leg up in a battle for a backup role.

Strengths
Good thickness throughout his frame.
Experience at left tackle should help his pass pro at guard.
Keeps hands cocked and ready in his pass sets.
Makes his first contact count on combo blocks.
Climbs to second level with adequate timing and angles.
Uses inside hands and accelerating feet to create movement.
Stays after his work and finishes with some grit.

Weaknesses
Severely lacking proportional length for his size.
Could have trouble redirecting edge pressure when beaten.
Has trouble getting hands reset when defender gets into him.
Slow reaction time on first lateral steps as run blocker.
Upright in space and struggles adjusting to movement.

 

[TequilaCowboy]

Glad to see this on Bass, thanks AC... he is one of my pet cats, along with Bostick and Richards...i feel all three will leap frog over the current backups for PT. Much needed depth on the OL.

 

[CCBoy]

TJ Bass is 2 seconds sound and this fan isn't worrying about him developing. Keep him involved and this player will be a strong interior lineman for the Cowboys. Did someone say cheap on this side of the view?

 

[rambo2]

A good shot at making the roster. They really cash in on these undrated free agents. I think that Stephens and Bass make the roster. They keep adding young talent to the team year after year.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

IMO Bass has earned more reps in games. Pulling for this dude to make the team.

Same, it'd be great if he turns into quality depth like Ronald Leary.

 

[gimmesix]

A good shot at making the roster. They really cash in on these undrated free agents. I think that Stephens and Bass make the roster. They keep adding young talent to the team year after year.

On some of those same plays that Bass blocked well, Stephens did not. He's going to have to be kept on potential because of his receiving ability since his blocking ability needs a lot of work.

 

[plymkr]

A good shot at making the roster. They really cash in on these undrated free agents. I think that Stephens and Bass make the roster. They keep adding young talent to the team year after year.

Young talent on the cheap will keep us competitive when we’re giving market setting contracts to our other players. Will McClay is earning his money by finding these guys that can (hopefully) contribute while not breaking the bank. I’m really excited about Bass, Vaughn and Stephens.

 

[maryquality]

Could it be that we finally found some decent OG depth? Rooting for this guy.