Latest news with #JessieBates
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bengals' biggest mistake of last 5 years haunts them again in new rankings
When the Cincinnati Bengals let safety Jessie Bates walk in free agency a few offseasons ago, it had the obvious potential to backfire in spectacular fashion. So far, it has. The Bengals attempted to move on with first-rounder Dax Hill in that role, who now plays cornerback. Geno Stone and Jordan Battle enter 2025 likely on their last chance to prove themselves under new coordinator Al Golden. Advertisement Bates, meanwhile, has two All-Pro nods to his name and just popped up as the fourth-best safety in the NFL from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, who polled personnel from around the league: 'Lack of physicality was a criticism of Bates during his four-year stint in Cincinnati, but he is viewed as more of a complete player now with 234 tackles over the past two seasons. He isn't afraid to take aggressive angles and try to punch the ball out when tackling.' RELATED: Cincinnati Bengals' 53-man roster projection following 2025 offseason We wrote at the time that it didn't make sense for the Bengals to let Bates walk, especially because of how obviously important his range was in Lou Anarumo's scheme. Quarterback Joe Burrow, as recently as last winter, lambasted the organization for letting good players get away and Bates certainly qualifies. Advertisement What stings the most? Bates is still only 28 years old and already two years into that four-year contract the Bengals apparently didn't want to sign. It's shades of the Andrew Whitworth mistake, if not worse, as offseason lists will keep reminding the Bengals of their big mistake for the foreseeable future. RELATED: Joe Burrow feelings on Trey Hendrickson contract standoff revealed This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals' biggest mistake of last 5 years haunts them again in new rankings
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Atlanta Falcons could be an 'afterthought' again in 2025, NFL analyst says
The Atlanta Falcons open training camp with more questions than answers and a growing sense of déjà vu. Despite flashy names like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Jessie Bates, the buzz around Atlanta feels muted. In a league driven by quarterback certainty and pass-rush disruption, the Falcons are banking on an unproven quarterback to fix both. And that's why, once again, they're flirting with being an afterthought. Advertisement Atlanta's potential to break out (or break down) hasn't gone unnoticed. Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport, part of a panel ranking all 32 teams heading into camp, pointed to the team's instability at key spots and called them one of the league's biggest wild cards. "The Falcons could win 10 games and the division. Or lose the same amount and once again be an afterthought," Davenport wrote. Atlanta hasn't reached the postseason since 2017, and there's no guarantee that changes in 2025." That tension between promise and volatility defined much of Atlanta's offseason strategy. The front office made calculated moves to patch last year's holes, but the true impact won't be clear until the regular season kicks off. The roster isn't short on talent, but cohesion remains a looming question. The offseason brought bold moves and fresh hope. The Falcons signed veteran pass rusher Leonard Floyd and added Morgan Fox to bolster the defensive line. In the secondary, they brought in Jordan Fuller and used a third-round pick on Xavier Watts, hoping to add youth and flexibility next to Jessie Bates. They also invested in the future by selecting Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the first round, two athletic edge rushers expected to energize a pass rush that ranked among the league's worst. Advertisement Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp On offense, the team handed the reins to Michael Penix Jr. after just one season with Kirk Cousins. There's a belief in Penix's physical tools, but his development is still in its early stages. The offense now hinges on his ability to find rhythm with key playmakers and stay composed in high-leverage moments. All in all, the Falcons have talent and a favorable division. But until their reworked core proves it can win together, expectations will stay grounded. There's a path to relevance here, but it's one they still need to build. MORE:NFL analyst says Falcons made 'right call' not trading Kirk Cousins, despite creating tension with Michael Penix Jr.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Jessie Bates ranked No. 92 in NFL Top 100 despite dominant season; Falcons believe he deserves more
Jessie Bates named one of NFL's Top 100 players (Image via: Getty Images) Jessie Bates is turning heads once again. With NFL training camps just weeks away, the Atlanta Falcons safety has earned a spot on the 2025 NFL Top 100 Players list. But at No. 92, many believe the veteran playmaker has been underrated, especially considering his standout 2024 season on a rising Falcons defense. Falcons safety Jessie Bates ranked No. 92 in NFL Top 100 list The NFL's Top 100 Players countdown is underway, and two Falcons have already made the cut. Wide receiver Drake London came in at No. 97, while Jessie Bates followed closely at No. 92. Both were voted in by their peers, a testament to the respect they've earned league-wide. Bates, heading into his third season with Atlanta, continues to be one of the team's most valuable assets. Last season, he recorded 102 tackles (62 solo), four interceptions, four forced fumbles, a sack, a pick-six, and one fumble recovery, making him the only NFL player to achieve that stat combination in 2024. His impact wasn't just in the box score. Bates played a key role in stabilizing a young Falcons defense and became a vocal leader on and off the field. His ability to read plays, disrupt offenses, and mentor younger teammates has positioned him as one of the most complete safeties in the league. Despite this, Falcons insiders believe No. 92 is a low ranking. 'Personally, I think he should be way higher,' Falcons staff writer Will McFadden posted after the announcement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The team's official social media even highlighted Bates' stats to make a case for a higher spot. As the Falcons gear up for the 2025 NFL season, expectations are growing. With key players like Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Chris Lindstrom expected to feature in the remaining Top 100 list, Atlanta is quietly building one of the league's most well-rounded rosters. Also Read: Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson says 'I Do' to Jilly Anais in dreamy wedding ceremony For now, Jessie Bates isn't concerned with rankings. His focus is on leading Atlanta's defense, helping the Falcons return to playoff contention, and proving that last season was only the beginning. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Colts pass on QB, pick top pass rusher in 7-round mock draft of active NFL players
The Indianapolis Colts were the first team not to select a quarterback in a very unique seven-round mock draft put together by Chad Reuter of In this mock, rather than selecting the top college prospects or redrafting past drafts, Reuter selected only active NFL players. In doing so, he had one goal in mind for each team, which was to "win now." Advertisement So, which non-quarterback did the Colts prioritize selecting in this mock draft, and what did their seven-man draft class end up looking like overall? The Indianapolis Colts picked DE Myles Garrett in the first round Of course, in a quarterback-driven league, those players dominated the first round of this mock. The Colts were one of just a couple of teams that did not pick this position. So, with the Colts able to take the best non-quarterback in the draft, they selected Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett. This past season, Garrett totaled 83 pressures and 14 sacks, according to PFF. He's recorded at least 14 sacks in five straight seasons and has had 70-plus pressures over the last four years. Advertisement Up to this point in his career, Garrett is a six-time Pro Bowler, a four-time All-Pro, and he was the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year. Who else did the Colts pick in this mock draft Round 2: Russell Wilson, QB Round 3: Trey McBride, TE Round 4: Tyler Linderbaum, C Round 5: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR Round 6: Jessie Bates, S Round 7: Taylor Decker, OT Perhaps in a fitting fashion, even in this mock draft, the Colts will have some question marks at quarterback. Wilson will be on his third team in three seasons this year, and while his numbers on the surface are solid during that span, the overall offensive output from his units hasn't quite been there. The 2023 Broncos and the 2024 Steelers were both ranked in the bottom third in points per game and yards per play. McBride provides a high-end pass-catching presence from the tight end position, while Harrison Jr. gets to return home to play for the Colts. Advertisement As GM Chris Ballard would, the Colts prioritized the trenches in Reuter's mock, picking two offensive linemen and a defensive lineman, while Bates brings really good ball production to the back end of the defense. To see which current Colts players were selected in this mock draft, you can find that here. This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts pick Myles Garrett, pass on QB in mock draft of active NFL players
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons Free Agent Signing Must Be A Veteran Leader For The New Wave Of Rookies
Falcons Free Agent Signing Must Be A Veteran Leader For The New Wave Of Rookies originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Falcons signed Floyd to a one-year, $10 million contract back in March, so the Falcons would have a veteran on the defense knowing they would go defense-heavy in the draft. Floyd recorded 8.5 sacks in 2024 as a member of the San Francisco 49ers. Advertisement Floyd is a super bowl winner with the Los Angeles Rams and also had stints in Chicago and Buffalo. He was the 9th overall pick in 2016 by Chicago and has had a solid career but is now entering his age 32-33 season. Leonard Floyd© Danielle Parhizkaran/ / USA TODAY NETWORK The Falcons have some veterans in Jessie Bates, Jordan Fuller and A.J. Terrell, who all have been vocal leaders of defenses, including the Falcons. This season will be very different as many starters will be rookies or second year players. Floyd can be a voice to players like Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., who like Floyd are first round picks. Floyd also has that super bowl experience that the Falcons needed on defense. Advertisement Floyd has career stats of 412 tackles, 66.5 sacks, 2 interceptions and 2 defensive touchdowns. A career journeyman, as someone who has been a leader on multiple teams, now joins a franchise who needs a veteran defensive leader more than anything. The Falcons will now have a veteran leader in the linebacker position. Many veterans that sign one-year deals are more or less rentals on a team, but in the case of Floyd he could resign if all goes well with him and the young stars. There will be a lot to look forward to on this defense in 2025. Related: How The Falcons Can Have A Top 5 Passer, Rusher And Receiver In 2025 Related: ESPN Suggests One More Move For The Falcons This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
