Brandon Kring Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft 2.0: Running in any direction

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Wake Forest defensive back Jessie Bates (DB45) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Wake Forest defensive back Jessie Bates (DB45) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Round 3, Pick 28 (92 overall) – S Jessie Bates III, Wake Forest

Jessie Bates is a physical specimen with great athletic ability. His coverage skills are good enough to cover in the slot or a tight end.

He also provides great over the top defense in a pass defense that gave up too many big plays in 2017. His athletic ability and fluid motion allows him to cover most of the field with ease as well as change direction to make plays anywhere.

He is a tad inexperienced as he has just two years starting experience in college. Bates will fit in and be able to learn from the veteran Burnett as well as new signing Nat Berhe.

Bates won’t have to start right away and that bodes well for him. He can take the time of playing sparingly and on special teams to learn the defense and tighten up any loose ends in his game.