Ever since Jessie Bates’ named was called on the Day 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft, his impact has been felt in Cincinnati.
Recently though, Bates has stepped into more of a leadership role as one of the better defensive players on the roster. Many of the team’s long-time leaders, on both sides of the ball, have transitioned out as the new era is dawning.
With no Geno Atkins or Carlos Dunlap to captain the defense, that new era is going to be led by safety Jessie Bates. Now the team’s NFLPA rep, Bates is taking over as the voice of the defensive, and his play will hopefully back it up.