Jessie Bates III

in our view

Bates isn’t elite in any one area, but he is well-rounded with the cover instincts, play range and toughness vs. the run to contribute to a NFL secondary. If he can hold up physically, Bates will compete for a starting role within his first few years in the league.

strengths

Instinctive and trusts what he sees. Reads the eyes of the quarterback and sniffs out routes. Click-and-close quickness with a knack for arriving at the right time. Fluid movement skills to make proper adjustments from shadow position. Enough play speed to chase down ballcarriers from behind. Fearless as a downhill defender, taking proper run angles. Doesn’t bypasses tackle attempts like most defenders his size. Low tackler and gets his guy on the ground. Collected six interceptions the past two seasons with 95 interception return yards, averaging 15.8 yards per return with a pair of touchdowns (6/95/2). Experience as a punt returner, averaging 7.9 yards per return (22/173/0). Credits his preparation and film study for his play-making on game day. Takes a big brother approach with younger players and wants to be a future coach. – Dane Brugler 1/14/2018

compares to

Justin Simmons, Denver Broncos – Although Bates isn’t as physical as a downhill run defender, he competes with the play awareness and decisive reactor to be in position to make plays, similar to Simmons.

weaknesses

Lean-limbed and needs to continue and fill out. Lacks ideal bulk or play strength to handle work in the box. Would rather avoid blockers than go through them, lacking the muscle or hand usage to pry through a crowd. Bad habit of waiting on his heels as a run defender. Needs to do a better job squaring his target and wrapping to avoid sliding off tackle attempts. Needs to finish when he gets his hands on the football and should have had more than six interceptions in college. Doesn’t have ideal body armor or growth potential for the position – missed two games as a sophomore due to a knee injury (Oct. 2017). – Dane Brugler 1/14/2018

Team captain as a senior

Rated as a 3-star recruit by 247 and ESPN

A two-time first team all-state selection by the Associated Press in 2013 and 2014

Earned first team all-state honors from USA Today in 2014

As a senior, recorded nine interceptions tying the mark of NFL Hall of Famer Rod Woodson

Recognized as All-Northeast Indiana first team by The Journal Gazette

Helped lead Snider to a 10-3 record as a senior

Also played point guard for the Snider basketball team

Coached in football by Kurt Tippman.

Son of Theresa Ladd

Born Oct. 11, 1996.

2017

2016