Bates was the top rated Safety in the NFL by PFF

[Ravage]

So, I was reading through an article on espn+ breaking down the best PFF graded players at each position this year and was pleasantly surprised to see Jessie Bates was tops in the NFL. If I missed this already, apologies, been a weird couple years.

The blurb from ESPN.com:

Quote:Safety

Best overall: Jessie Bates III, Cincinnati Bengals
Grade: 90.1

After the season he had, Bates not making the Pro Bowl roster in the AFC stands as one of the team's biggest snubs. He led all players at the position in PFF grade at 90.1, and he showcased that few players in the league can compete with the kind of range and instincts he has at the free safety position. His 15 combined pass breakups and interceptions this season were more than any other safety in the league even though he plays a deeper role where he doesn't see nearly as many passes come his way as those who play more in the slot and box.