Oregon offensive lineman TJ Bass signs deal following NFL Draft

After going through the entire 2023 NFL Draft, Oregon lineman TJ Bass was offered a deal by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. Bass, a 6-foot-4, 317-pound interior lineman for the Ducks, may not have heard his name called on stage during the draft but will get a chance to enter the league with the Cowboys all the same.

“The Cowboys are set to sign Oregon All-American offensive lineman T.J. Bass as an undrafted free agent,” detailed On3’s Matt Zenitz.

Bass was the named Most Valuable Player as a senior at Mt. Baker High School, playing both sides of the ball as a lineman. On defense, he racked up 23.5 tackles for a loss and 13 sacks. He began his college career at Butte College — where Aaron Rodgers began his own college football career. After the 2020 season where he started all seven games at left guard, he received honorable mention on the All-Pac-12 team. He earned first-team all-conference honors in 2021 and 2022, playing left guard and eventually left tackle.

Bass played high school football at Mt. Baker in Washington, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 2 overall interior lineman recruit in the 2017 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL Draft analysts said about TJ Bass

Coming into the draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein praised Bass’s size and physicality as two reasons he could be drafted in the fifth or sixth round. Unfortunately for Bass, his name didn’t get called during the actual draft — although he quickly received a free agency offer from the Cowboys afterwards.

“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,” explained Zierlein.

“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.”