The Denver Broncos are signing undrafted free agent cornerback Essang Bassey, according to Wake Forest’s football program’s Twitter account.
Bassey (5-9, 191 pounds) ran a 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds and bench-pressed 225 pounds 12 times at the combine earlier this offseason. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein predicted that Bassey would be a fifth- or sixth-round draft pick so he appears to be a notable UDFA signing.
“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,” Zierlein wrote of Bassey on NFL.com before the draft.
In four seasons at Wake Forest, Bassey totaled 227 tackles — including 12.5 tackles for losses — and one sack. He also recorded five interceptions, broke up 45 passes, recovered three fumbles and forced one fumble.
In Denver, Bassey will join a cornerback room that includes A.J. Bouye, Bryce Callahan, Duke Dawson, De’Vante Bausby, Davontae Harris, Shakial Taylor and Isaac Yiadom. Bassey will face a tough road to a spot on the roster but he should have a good chance of making the practice squad.
