Cai Bates

A pass catcher turned pass defender with plenty of developmental upside given length and tentacle-like arms. Started prep career off playing wide receiver before being thrust into action at cornerback midway through junior season. Found success right away in coverage, totaling four interceptions and seven pass break ups in just a handful of games. Still figuring things out from a technical standpoint, but has no issues tracking the football and putting himself in position to make a play at the catch point. Lack of verified speed markers is not ideal in an era where perimeter defenders are constantly challenged vertically, but does have a basketball background and natural bounce shows up on tape. Must keep evolving and take to coaching, but should be viewed as a potential multi-year starter at the Power Five level. Will need to get better as an open-field tackler if he’s going to make a real difference in run support or even get a look at safety, but has some of what's required to thrive in a defensive scheme that wants to press often. NFL scouts will likely be drawn to his size one day.