Wake Forest defensive back Jessie Bates is joining the crowd of underclassmen in declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft. Bates announced his decision to declare for the draft this spring with a statement on Twitter.
Bates ended his 2017 season with 77 tackles and an interception. Some scouts seem to think Bates could have benefitted with his NFL Draft stock if he stuck around another year, but Bates will still be a talented prospect NFL teams in need of some defensive and special teams help will consider. He could go in the second or third round of the NFL Draft, in all likelihood.
Glory To God for continuing this amazing journey... I’m thankful for his plan.. Praying for the discipline to follow it.. Proverbs 3: 5-6 #GoDeacs #JB3 pic.twitter.com/xONFC40Qn1
— Jessie Bates III (@jlbiii3) January 5, 2018
There are now at least 75 underclassmen declared for the upcoming NFL Draft, with the deadline to make such a decision quickly approaching. Bates announced his decision th same day as USC running back Ronald Jones II, Notre Dame running back Josh Adams, and Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson.