Essang

Bassey

Gallup last played in an NFL game back in 2023. He caught 34-of-56 targets for 418 yards and two touchdowns that year. The Commanders also released CB Essang Bassey, C Nick Harris and OT Tyre Phillips, and waived DT Norell Pollard and WR Braylon Sanders.

Bassey has served as the backup nickel corner in addition to excelling on special teams for the Broncos since breaking out in 2020 and will now be back with the organization on an undisclosed one-year deal. The restricted free agent cleared free agency before deciding to return to Denver.

Bassey (5'9/197) really struggled at the Senior Bowl, and that surely saw his draft stock diminish. He did run a 4.46 second 40-yard dash, however, and he was a productive player for the Demon Deacons. As Pro Football Focus’s Ben Linsey writes: “Bassey may be undersized with tackling issues, but there is plenty of reason to like him as an undrafted option given a grading profile that features four-straight years with 70-plus coverage grades and strong testing at the NFL Combine.”

Not surprising to see Bassey post one of the top times of the corners. The concern with Bassey is his size (5'9/191), and there’s no drill that can alleviate that in Indianapolis. He projects as a late-round selection or priority free agent.

At 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, Bassey is certainly diminutive in stature. And that gives Zierlein pause. Notes the analyst, “His route anticipation and short-area athleticism in off coverages should help him challenge throws in his move inside, but finding a roster spot could be a challenge.” We’ll end on a positive note, here, as Zierlein does admire the fire with which Bassey plays. It’s just that his dimensions don’t match said flame.

Bassey (5'10/185) is one of the best ACC corners going into 2019, and he may end up as a 2020 NFL Draft pick if he can test well during the pre-draft process. The senior has made 52 solo tackles and has had 15 pass deflections in two-straight seasons. The former three-star will have a big game against Clemson’s receivers in November, but the rest of his schedule is pretty manageable.

Bassey recorded three interceptions last season, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The former three-star corner out of Columbus, Georgia, started all 13 games as a freshman in 2016 and will look to continue his ascension as a player with another strong season in 2018.