Jessie Bates lll
refer to caption
Bates in 2023
No. 3 – Atlanta Falcons
Position:Safety
Personal information
Born: (1997-02-26) February 26, 1997
Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school:Snider (Fort Wayne)
College:Wake Forest (2015–2017)
NFL Draft:2018 / Round: 2 / Pick: 54
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2023
Tackles:611
Forced fumbles:6
Fumble recoveries:2
Pass deflections:54
Interceptions:20
Touchdowns:2
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

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 years

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]

External videos
video icon Jessie Bates' NFL Combine Workout

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]

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span40-yard dash10-yard split20-yard split20-yard shuttleThree-cone drillVertical jumpBroad jumpBench press
6 ft 1+1⁄8 in
(1.86 m)		 200 lb
(91 kg)		 31+5⁄8 in
(0.80 m)		 9+3⁄4 in
(0.25 m)		4.50 s1.56 s2.63 s4.25 s6.78 s35.5 in
(0.90 m)		9 ft 9 in
(2.97 m)		12 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[19][20]

Cincinnati Bengals

External videos
video icon Bengals draft Jessie Bates 54th overall
video icon Instant Draft Grade: Jessie Bates III

2018

Bates with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2018

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Bates in the second round (54th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.[21] Bates was the fourth safety drafted in 2018.[22] 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.[23]

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.[24][25] 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.[26]

External videos
video icon Jessie Bates gets first NFL interception

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.[27] 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.[28] 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.[29] 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.[30] 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.[31] He received an overall grade of 79.9 from Pro Football Focus, which ranked as the 11th best grade among safeties in 2018.[32]

2019

In Week 4 against the Steelers, Bates recovered a fumble forced by teammate Nick Vigil in the 27–3 loss.[33] In Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens, Bates recorded his first interception of the season off Robert Griffin III in the 49–13 loss.[34] In Week 11 against the Oakland Raiders, Bates recorded an interception off Derek Carr in the 17–10 loss.[35] 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.[36]

2020

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.[37] 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.[38]

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

2021

In Super Bowl LVI, Bates recorded his second career playoff interception, picking off Matthew Stafford in the endzone.[39]

2022

On March 7, 2022, the Bengals placed the franchise tag on Bates,[40] which he signed on August 23.[41]

Atlanta Falcons

On March 16, 2023, Bates signed a four-year, $64.02 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons.[42] 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.[43] His performance earned him National Football Conference (NFC) Defensive Player of the Week.[44] In Week 3 against the Lions, Bates recorded 13 tackles and his third interception of the season.[45] 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.[46] His performance earned him NFC Defensive Player of the week, his second of the season.[47]

NFL career statistics

Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GPGSCmbSoloAstTfLSckPDIntYdsAvgLngTDFFFRYdsTD
2018CIN 1616111 733800.0734214.021T10000
2019CIN 1616100712900.0933311.02001100
2020CIN 1616109783120.0153124.01201000
2021CIN 151588672130.0416565.065001460
2022CIN 161671383310.084287.01601000
2023ATL 1717132894330.01169515.89213000
Career969661141619590.0542027513.892262460

References

  1. ↑ Hayes, Reggie (March 6, 2018). "Former Snider standout Jessie Bates III shows his skills at NFL Combine". News-Sentinel. Archived from the original on October 10, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  2. ↑ Marini, Glenn (February 2, 2015). "Snider's Bates Commits To Wake Forest". WANE. Archived from the original on January 8, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  3. ↑ LaPlaca, Michael. "Bates Single Mother's Initiative Hits Close To Home". Bengals. Archived from the original on February 10, 2022. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  4. ↑ Collins, Dan. "Wake Forest's Bates keeps proving people wrong". Winston-Salem Journal. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  5. ↑ "Jessie Bates III 2016 Player Statistics". cfbstats.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  6. ↑ "Bates III Named to USA Today Freshman All-American Team". WakeForestSports.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  7. ↑ "ACSMA ANNOUNCES 2016 ALL-ACC FOOTBALL TEAMS". Atlantic Coast Conference. Archived from the original on January 4, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  8. ↑ "ACC All-Freshman Team for 2016". Athlon Sports & Life. Archived from the original on January 8, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  9. ↑ "Depth Chart and Injury Report for N.C. State game". Blogger So Dear. November 14, 2017. Archived from the original on January 8, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Jessie Bates III 2017 Player Statistics". cfbstats.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  11. ↑ McGuire, Kevin (January 6, 2018). "Wake Forest safety Jessie Bates declares for NFL Draft". NBC Sports. Archived from the original on January 7, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  12. ↑ "Jessie Bates III to declare for the NFL draft". wakeforestsports.com. January 5, 2018. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  13. ↑ O'Neill, Conor (March 6, 2018). "Former Snider standout Jessie Bates III shows his skills at NFL Combine". journalnow.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  14. ↑ Birkett, Dave (April 13, 2018). "Detroit Lions host Louisville OT Geron Christian on pre-draft visit". FreeP.com. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  15. ↑ Marshall, Billy (April 6, 2018). "2018 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers 7-round mock draft 1.0". catscratchreader.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  16. ↑ Rutter, Joe (April 21, 2018). "Steelers eyeing numbers at safety in NFL Draft". triblive.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  17. ↑ "The 2018 NFL Draft Big Board, Vol. 2". si.com. March 7, 2018. Archived from the original on August 19, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  18. ↑ Mayock, Mike (April 24, 2018). "Mike Mayock's 2018 NFL Draft top 100 prospect rankings". NFL.com. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  19. ↑ "Jessie Bates Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  20. ↑ "2018 NFL Draft Scout Jessie Bates III College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  21. ↑ "2018 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  22. ↑ Toback, Rebecca (April 27, 2018). "Cincinnati selects Wake Forest safety Jessie Bates in Round 2". CincyJungle.com. Archived from the original on May 27, 2018. Retrieved May 26, 2018.
  23. ↑ "Spotrac.com: Jessie Bates III contract". Spotrac.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  24. ↑ Rolling, Chris (August 19, 2018). "Bengals release starting safety George Iloka". bengalswire.usatoday.com. Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  25. ↑ Eager, Eric (August 20, 2018). "Bengals cut stalwart safety George Iloka, Jessie Bates steps in". profootballfocus.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  26. ↑ Marcum, Jason (September 4, 2018). "Bengals depth chart: Alex Redmond to start at right guard in Week 1". cincyjungle.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  27. ↑ Hobson, Geoff (September 14, 2018). "Look Who's Got The Ball In The North". Bengals.com. Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  28. ↑ Clark, Dave (September 13, 2018). "NFL interception sets tone for Bengals' big first half vs. Ravens". Cincinnati.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Jessie Bates III Stats | Pro-Football-Reference.com". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  30. ↑ Teope, Herbie. "Marvin Lewis out as Bengals coach after 16 years". NFL.com. Archived from the original on January 9, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  31. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Jessie Bates III (career)". NFL.com. Archived from the original on January 9, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  32. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Jessie Bates". Archived from the original on January 9, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  33. ↑ "Steelers break out of funk, stomp Bengals 27-3". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 30, 2019. Archived from the original on October 2, 2019. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  34. ↑ "Jackson dazzles as Ravens rout winless Bengals 49-13". www.espn.com. November 10, 2019. Archived from the original on November 11, 2019. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  35. ↑ "Carr, Jacobs, Crosby help Raiders keep Bengals winless". www.espn.com. November 17, 2019. Archived from the original on November 19, 2019. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
  36. ↑ "Browns stay in playoff hunt, ground out 27-19 win over Cincy". www.espn.com. December 8, 2019. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 8, 2019.
  37. ↑ "Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – October 18th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 21, 2020. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  38. ↑ "Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Football Team - November 22nd, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2020.
  39. ↑ "Rams vs. Bengals - Play-By-Play - February 13, 2022 - ESPN". ESPN. Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
  40. ↑ "Bengals Designate Bates as Franchise Player". Bengals.com. March 7, 2022. Archived from the original on March 11, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  41. ↑ Sullivan, Tyler (July 26, 2022). "Bengals star Jessie Bates ends holdout, returns to Cincinnati to sign franchise tag". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on August 23, 2022. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
  42. ↑ McElhaney, Tori (March 16, 2023). "Falcons announce signing of safety Jessie Bates III". AtlantaFalcons.com.
  43. ↑ "Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons - September 10th, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
  44. ↑ "Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk highlight Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
  45. ↑ "Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions - September 24th, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  46. ↑ "New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons - November 26th, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  47. ↑ Gordon, Grant (November 29, 2023). "Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, Rams RB Kyren Williams highlight Players of the Week". NFL.com.
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