Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Jessie Bates III (Wake Forest) - 2018 NFL Draft Pick #54 by CIN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Jessie Bates III (2018 NFL Draft)

College: Wake Forest
Position: Safety
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 200 lbs

Overview

Jessie Bates III emerged as one of the top safety prospects leading up to the 2018 NFL Draft. His performance at Wake Forest showcased his instincts, ball skills, and ability to impact the game from the secondary.

Strengths

• Ball Skills: Bates demonstrated exceptional ball-hawking ability, recording multiple interceptions during his college career.
• Range: His speed and agility allowed him to cover a lot of ground, making him effective in both deep coverage and run support.
• Instincts: Bates showed a keen awareness of the game, often reading quarterbacks and reacting quickly to plays.
• Tackling: He was a reliable tackler, capable of taking down ball carriers in the open field.

Weaknesses

• Physicality: While Bates is a solid tackler, he occasionally struggles against bigger, more physical receivers and tight ends.
• Consistency: There were moments of inconsistency in his play, where he would miss some tackles or take poor angles.

Conclusion

Jessie Bates III was widely regarded as one of the top safety prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft due to his combination of athleticism, coverage skills, and football IQ. Teams looking for a versatile safety who could contribute immediately in both coverage and run defense viewed him as a valuable asset. His potential to develop into a cornerstone player in the secondary made him a coveted prospect during the draft process.