Jessie Bates Explained

Jessie Bates lll
Current Team:Atlanta Falcons
Number:3
Position:Safety
Birth Date:26 February 1997
Birth Place:Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:1
Weight Lb:200
High School:Snider (Fort Wayne)
College:Wake Forest (2015–2017)
Draftyear:2018
Draftround:2
Draftpick:54
Pastteams:
Status:Active
Highlights:
Statleague:NFL
Statseason:2023
Statlabel1:Total tackles
Statvalue1:611
Statlabel2:Forced fumbles
Statvalue2:6
Statlabel3:Fumble recoveries
Statvalue3:2
Statlabel4:Pass deflections
Statvalue4:54
Statlabel5:Interceptions
Statvalue5:20
Statlabel6:Defensive touchdowns
Statvalue6:2
Pfr:BateJe00

Jessie Bates III (born February 26, 1997) is an American football safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Wake Forest and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft.

Early life

Bates attended Snider High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana.[1] Along with football, he also played basketball. He originally committed to play college football for the Toledo Rockets, but he flipped his commitment to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in February 2015.[2] Bates is the son of his single mother Theresa and has 6 siblings, his older sister Aaliyah, his younger brother Von and step-siblings Donavan, Nate, Kameron and Ariana.[3]

College career

Bates did not play as a true freshman at Wake Forest in 2015 and chose to redshirt.[4]

As a redshirt freshman in 2016, Bates played in all 13 of Wake Forest's games. He returned 18 punts for 73 yards along with tallying five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 100 tackles (3.5 for loss), four pass deflections and one forced fumble.[5] After the season, he was named to the USA Today Freshman All-America Team,[6] the All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Second-team,[7] and to the ACC All-Freshman First-team.[8]

In 2017, as a redshirt sophomore, Bates played in 11 of Wake Forest's 13 games, missing two due to injury.[9] In those 11 games, he returned eight punts for 161 yards and one touchdowns along with recording 79 tackles (six for loss), five pass deflections and one forced fumble.[10] After the season, he declared for the 2018 NFL draft.[11]

Professional career

Pre-draft

On January 4, 2018, Bates announced his decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2018 NFL Draft.[12] He attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and completed the majority of combine drills, but opted to skip the bench press. Bates performed well and finished third among safeties in the 60-yard shuttle, fourth among safeties in three-cone drill, and fifth among safeties in the short shuttle. He also earned the ninth best time among his position group in the 40-yard dash and had the tenth best vertical jump.[13] On March 13, 2018, Bates participated at Wake Forest's pro day and performed the bench press and short shuttle (4.25s). He attended pre-draft visits with multiple teams, including the Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, and Carolina Panthers.[14] [15] [16] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Bates was projected to a second or third round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the third best free safety prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com, the fourth best safety in the draft by NFL analyst Mike Mayock, and was also ranked as the fifth best safety by Sports Illustrated.[17] [18]

Cincinnati Bengals

2018

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Bates in the second round (54th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.[19] Bates was the fourth safety drafted in 2018.[20] On May 12, 2018, the Bengals signed Bates to a four-year, $4.94 million contract that includes $2.38 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1.67 million.[21]

Bates entered training camp slated as a backup safety, but earned an opportunity to compete for the job as the starting free safety against George Iloka after quickly impressing the Bengals' coaching staff.[22] [23] Head coach Marvin Lewis named Bates the starting free safety to start the regular season, alongside strong safety Shawn Williams and cornerbacks William Jackson III and Dre Kirkpatrick.[24] He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Bengals' season opener at the Indianapolis Colts and recorded eight solo tackles in their 34–23 victory. On September 13, 2018, Bates recorded three solo tackles, broke up a pass, and made his first-career interception during a 34–23 victory against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2.[25] Bates made his first career interception off a pass attempt by Joe Flacco, that was originally intended for wide receiver Michael Crabtree, and returned it for a 21-yard gain in the first quarter.[26] In Week 7, he collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (seven solo) during the Bengals' 45–10 loss at the Kansas City Chiefs. On October 28, 2018, Bates recorded six solo tackles, two pass deflections, and returned an interception for his first career touchdown during a 37–34 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8. Bates intercepted a pass by Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston, that was intended for wide receiver Adam Humphries, and returned it for a 21-yard touchdown.[27] On December 31, 2018, the Cincinnati Bengals announced their decision to fire head coach Marvin Lewis after the Bengals finished with a 6–10 record.[28] He started all 16 games as a rookie in 2018 and recorded a team-leading 111 combined tackles (73 solo), seven pass deflections, three interceptions, and one touchdown.[29] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[30]

2019

In Week 4 against the Steelers, Bates recovered a fumble forced by teammate Nick Vigil in the 27–3 loss.[31] In Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens, Bates recorded his first interception of the season off Robert Griffin III in the 49–13 loss.[32] In Week 11 against the Oakland Raiders, Bates recorded an interception off Derek Carr in the 17–10 loss.[33] In Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns, Bates recorded his third interception of the season off a pass thrown by Baker Mayfield during the 29–17 loss, tying his number of interceptions recorded during his rookie season.[34]

2020

thumb|left|200px|Bates with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020 In Week 6 against the Colts, Bates recorded his first interception of the season off a pass thrown by Philip Rivers during the 31–27 loss.[35] In Week 11 against the Washington Football Team, Bates recorded his third interception of the season off a pass thrown by Alex Smith during the 20–9 loss.[36]

After the season Bates was named a second-team All-Pro.

2021

In Super Bowl LVI against the Los Angeles Rams, Bates recorded his second career playoff interception, picking off Matthew Stafford in the endzone, however Cincinnati would go on to fall short 23-20.[37]

2022

On March 7, 2022, the Bengals placed the franchise tag on Bates,[38] which he signed on August 23.[39]

Atlanta Falcons

On March 16, 2023, Bates signed a four-year, $64.02 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons.[40] Bates made his Falcons debut in Week 1 against the Panthers, where he recorded ten tackles, a career-high two interceptions, and a forced fumble in the 24–10 win.[41] His performance earned him National Football Conference (NFC) Defensive Player of the Week.[42] In Week 3 against the Lions, Bates recorded 13 tackles and his third interception of the season.[43] In Week 12 against the New Orleans Saints, Bates had 13 tackles, a forced fumble, and returned his fourth interception of the season for a 92-yard touchdown in the 24–15 win.[44] His performance earned him NFC Defensive Player of the week, his second of the season.[45]

NFL career statistics

YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast TfL Sck PD Int Yds Avg Lng TD FF FR Yds TD
CIN16 16 111 73 38 0 0.0 7 3 42 14.0 21T 1 0 0 0 0
CIN16 16 100 71 29 0 0.0 9 3 33 11.0 20 0 1 1 0 0
CIN16 16 109 78 31 2 0.0 15 3 12 4.0 12 0 1 0 0 0
CIN15 15 88 67 21 3 0.0 4 1 65 65.0 65 0 0 1 46 0
CIN16 16 71 38 33 1 0.0 8 4 28 7.0 16 0 1 0 0 0
ATL17 17 132 89 43 3 0.0 11 695 15.8 92 1 3 0 0 0
Career 96 96 611 416 195 9 0.0 54 20 275 13.8 92 2 6 2 46 0

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Hayes . Reggie . March 6, 2018 . Former Snider standout Jessie Bates III shows his skills at NFL Combine . October 10, 2018 . News-Sentinel . en-US . October 10, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181010213556/http://www.news-sentinel.com/sports/2018/03/06/former-snider-standout-jessie-bates-iii-shows-his-skills-at-nfl-combine/ . live .
  2. Web site: Marini . Glenn . Snider's Bates Commits To Wake Forest . February 2, 2015 . January 7, 2018 . WANE . January 8, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180108234900/http://wane.com/2015/02/02/sniders-bates-commits-to-wake-forest/ . live .
  3. Web site: LaPlaca . Michael . Bates Single Mother's Initiative Hits Close To Home . Bengals . February 10, 2022 . February 10, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220210214626/https://www.bengals.com/news/bates-single-mother-s-initiative-hits-close-to-home . live .
  4. Web site: Collins . Dan . Wake Forest's Bates keeps proving people wrong . October 10, 2018 . Winston-Salem Journal . en . October 11, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181011013718/https://www.journalnow.com/sports/wfu/football/wake-forest-s-bates-keeps-proving-people-wrong/article_76be3cb8-c4ff-5d9a-a04e-66163924c2fd.html . live .
  5. Web site: Jessie Bates III 2016 Player Statistics . January 7, 2018 . cfbstats.com . January 8, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180108174938/http://www.cfbstats.com/2016/player/749/1073720/index.html . live .
  6. Web site: Bates III Named to USA Today Freshman All-American Team . January 7, 2018 . WakeForestSports.com . January 8, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180108174931/http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121216aaa.html . live .
  7. Web site: ACSMA ANNOUNCES 2016 ALL-ACC FOOTBALL TEAMS . January 7, 2018 . Atlantic Coast Conference . January 4, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180104132355/http://theacc.com/news/2016/11/28/583c89fae4b05d472a092055_131480918660911093.aspx?path=football . live .
  8. Web site: ACC All-Freshman Team for 2016 . January 7, 2018 . Athlon Sports & Life . January 8, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180108175014/https://athlonsports.com/college-football/acc-all-freshman-team-2016 . live .
  9. Web site: Depth Chart and Injury Report for N.C. State game . November 14, 2017 . January 7, 2018 . Blogger So Dear . January 8, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180108120446/https://www.bloggersodear.com/2017/11/14/16651458/depth-chart-and-injury-report-for-n-c-state-game-wake-forest-duke-ejiofor-jessie-bates-cade-carney . live .
  10. Web site: Jessie Bates III 2017 Player Statistics . January 7, 2018 . cfbstats.com . January 8, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180108175008/http://www.cfbstats.com/2017/player/749/1073720/index.html . live .
  11. Web site: McGuire . Kevin . Wake Forest safety Jessie Bates declares for NFL Draft . January 6, 2018 . January 7, 2018 . NBC Sports . January 7, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180107091900/http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/01/05/wake-forest-safety-jessie-bates-declares-for-nfl-draft/ . live .
  12. Web site: January 5, 2018 . Jessie Bates III to declare for the NFL draft . October 17, 2018 . wakeforestsports.com . October 18, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181018122428/https://wakeforestsports.com/news/2018/1/5/Jessie_Bates_III_to_Declare_for_NFL_Draft.aspx?path=football . live .
  13. Web site: O'Neill . Conor . March 6, 2018 . Former Snider standout Jessie Bates III shows his skills at NFL Combine . October 17, 2018 . journalnow.com . October 18, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181018082654/https://www.journalnow.com/sports/wfu/football/pro-day-report-bates-gaining-momentum-while-others-hoping-for/article_85b38ae8-4c73-5ff3-b032-4ce754f009a4.html . live .
  14. Web site: Birkett . Dave . April 13, 2018 . Detroit Lions host Louisville OT Geron Christian on pre-draft visit . October 17, 2018 . FreeP.com . April 12, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210412170817/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/04/13/detroit-lions-host-louisville-ot-geron-christian-pre-draft-visit/516363002/ . live .
  15. Web site: Marshall . Billy . April 6, 2018 . 2018 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers 7-round mock draft 1.0 . October 17, 2018 . catscratchreader.com . October 18, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181018082725/https://www.catscratchreader.com/2018/4/6/17202684/nfl-carolina-panthers-7-round-mock-draft-james-daniels-jessie-bates-desean-hamilton-chad-thomas . live .
  16. Web site: Rutter . Joe . April 21, 2018 . Steelers eyeing numbers at safety in NFL Draft . October 17, 2018 . triblive.com . October 18, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181018122442/https://triblive.com/sports/steelers/13554963-74/steelers-eyeing-numbers-at-safety-in-nfl-draft . live .
  17. Web site: March 7, 2018 . The 2018 NFL Draft Big Board, Vol. 2 . October 17, 2018 . si.com . August 19, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180819010916/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/03/07/nfl-draft-top-prospects-big-board-top-100 . live .
  18. Web site: Mayock . Mike . April 24, 2018 . Mike Mayock's 2018 NFL Draft top 100 prospect rankings . October 17, 2018 . NFL.com . October 17, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181017140541/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000928186/article/mike-mayocks-2018-nfl-draft-top-100-prospect-rankings . dead .
  19. Web site: 2018 NFL Draft Listing . May 17, 2023 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  20. Web site: Toback . Rebecca . April 27, 2018 . Cincinnati selects Wake Forest safety Jessie Bates in Round 2 . May 26, 2018 . CincyJungle.com . May 27, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201359/https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/4/27/17287312/bengals-draft-picks-2018-cincinnati-selects-wake-forest-safety-jessie-bates-round-2 . live .
  21. Web site: Spotrac.com: Jessie Bates III contract . October 17, 2018 . Spotrac.com . October 18, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181018043237/https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/jessie-bates-iii-25153/ . live .
  22. Web site: Rolling . Chris . August 19, 2018 . Bengals release starting safety George Iloka . October 17, 2018 . bengalswire.usatoday.com . October 24, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201024152958/https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/2018/08/19/bengals-release-safety-george-iloka/ . live .
  23. Web site: Eager . Eric . August 20, 2018 . Bengals cut stalwart safety George Iloka, Jessie Bates steps in . October 17, 2018 . profootballfocus.com . March 13, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230313214929/https://www.pff.com/news/pro-bengals-cut-stalwart-safety-george-iloka-jessie-bates-steps-in . live .
  24. Web site: Marcum . Jason . September 4, 2018 . Bengals depth chart: Alex Redmond to start at right guard in Week 1 . October 17, 2018 . cincyjungle.com . October 18, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181018082724/https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/9/4/17812688/bengals-depth-chart-alex-redmond-to-start-at-right-guard-week-1-michael-johnson-remains-starter . live .
  25. Web site: Hobson . Geoff . September 14, 2018 . Look Who's Got The Ball In The North . Bengals.com . September 14, 2018 . September 14, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180914163912/https://www.bengals.com/news/look-who-s-got-the-ball-in-the-north . live .
  26. Web site: Clark . Dave . September 13, 2018 . NFL interception sets tone for Bengals' big first half vs. Ravens . October 17, 2018 . Cincinnati.com . October 18, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181018132316/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2018/09/13/jessie-bates-iii-first-nfl-interception-sets-tone-bengals/1297695002/ . live .
  27. Web site: Jessie Bates III Stats Pro-Football-Reference.com . October 31, 2018 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en . November 18, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201118030356/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BateJe00.htm . live .
  28. Web site: Teope . Herbie . Marvin Lewis out as Bengals coach after 16 years . January 9, 2019 . NFL.com . January 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190109205244/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001006473/article/marvin-lewis-out-as-bengals-coach-after-16-years . live .
  29. Web site: NFL Player stats: Jessie Bates III (career) . January 9, 2019 . NFL.com . January 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190109205245/http://www.nfl.com/player/jessiebates/2560970/careerstats . live .
  30. Web site: 2018 NFL All-Rookie Team . 2024-07-28 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  31. Web site: September 30, 2019 . Steelers break out of funk, stomp Bengals 27-3 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20191002132956/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128109 . October 2, 2019 . January 5, 2024 . ESPN.com . Associated Press.
  32. Web site: November 10, 2019 . Jackson dazzles as Ravens rout winless Bengals 49-13 . November 10, 2019 . . November 11, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191111033113/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127934 . live .
  33. Web site: November 17, 2019 . Carr, Jacobs, Crosby help Raiders keep Bengals winless . November 17, 2019 . . November 19, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191119150840/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128092 . live .
  34. Web site: December 8, 2019 . Browns stay in playoff hunt, ground out 27-19 win over Cincy . December 8, 2019 . . December 10, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191210191310/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127867 . live .
  35. Web site: Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – October 18th, 2020 . October 22, 2020 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en . October 21, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201021020623/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010180clt.htm . live .
  36. Web site: Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Football Team - November 22nd, 2020 . November 28, 2020 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en . June 19, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220619205332/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011220was.htm . live .
  37. Web site: Rams vs. Bengals - Play-By-Play - February 13, 2022 - ESPN . ESPN . February 14, 2022 . February 14, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220214031750/https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay/_/gameId/401326638 . live .
  38. Web site: Bengals Designate Bates as Franchise Player. Bengals.com. March 7, 2022. March 11, 2022. March 11, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220311041839/https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-designate-bates-as-franchise-player. live.
  39. Web site: Sullivan . Tyler . Bengals star Jessie Bates ends holdout, returns to Cincinnati to sign franchise tag . CBSSports.com . July 26, 2022 . August 23, 2022 . August 23, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220823165549/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bengals-star-jessie-bates-ends-holdout-returns-to-cincinnati-to-sign-franchise-tag/ . live .
  40. Web site: Falcons announce signing of safety Jessie Bates III. AtlantaFalcons.com. March 16, 2023. Tori. McElhaney.
  41. Web site: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons - September 10th, 2023 . September 13, 2023 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  42. Web site: Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk highlight Players of the Week . September 13, 2023 . NFL.com . en-US.
  43. Web site: Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions - September 24th, 2023 . November 29, 2023 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  44. Web site: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons - November 26th, 2023 . November 29, 2023 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  45. Web site: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, Rams RB Kyren Williams highlight Players of the Week. Gordon, Grant. NFL.com. November 29, 2023.