There are a lot of strengths to Jessie Bates’s game. The thing you have to like about him the most is that he is productive in both the run stopping and pass defense department. He is a willing run defender who can play in the box if you ask him to. I also like him as a tackler. He is a good tackler in the open field. I also like that he makes his tackles conscious of where the first down marker is. That could be the difference in a close game. Bates also plays with some hustle and shows the ability to catch up with the runner when he beats the defense over the top. I also like his play as a centerfielder. He has good instincts for where the ball is going to be. He had a few interceptions just being in the right place before the ball was thrown. There is also a side ability to return punts on special teams.
There are a few weaknesses to Bates’s game. The one thing is that he needs to take better angles to the ballcarrier. He also needs to improve on a few areas in his tackling that will get better exposure in the NFL. He needs to get stronger to improve his tackling, and he needs to not lung at the ballcarrier when tackling. I think he is an overall good tackler but needs to clean up a few things in that area.
Jesse Bates is probably a late first or early second round safety. He can play both the strong safety and the free safety position although his size probably is better suited for the free safety position. This is a good safety class, and so he will probably be pushed back by the likes of guys like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Derwin James, and Ronnie Harrison.
- TAGS
- Jessie Bates
- NFL Draft
