It appears the larger NFL world will continue to sleep on Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates.
Bates, one of the league’s better players at his position, just missed the cut over at Pro Football Focus’ “50 best players in the NFL right now” from Sam Monson.
Normally, Bates missing a top 50 overall list wouldn’t be too shocking, depending on how said list values different positions. But this list names four other safeties above Bates: Denver’s Justin Simmons, Minnesota’s Harrison Smith, Cleveland’s John Johnson and New Orleans’ Marcus Williams.
That’s a little strange considering PFF had already named Bates one of the league’s best players at his spot — and he was the highest-graded safety in the league last year.
Not that Bates will pay much attention to a snub like this. He’s focused on an extension with the Bengals and — more importantly — trying to be the leader the Cincinnati locker room needs.
