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Panthers NFL Draft targets: Safety

By Brandon Scott

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 25: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers is hit by Ronnie Harrison #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide diving towards the endzone during the third quarter of their game at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 25: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers is hit by Ronnie Harrison #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide diving towards the endzone during the third quarter of their game at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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NFL Combine - Day 5
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 05: Wake Forest defensive back Jessie Bates (DB45) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

JESSIE BATES, Wake Forest (6-foot-1, 200 pounds)

Projected Round: 3-4

Carolina has shown significant interest in Bates as a potential mid-round pick. The Indiana native played college football for Wake Forest, in the state of North Carolina and is no doubt, familiar with the franchise.

If Hurney and the Panthers choose to target other positions early in the draft then Bates would be a likely candidate for one of the two third-round picks available.

"Sources singled Bates out as a player who impressed them at the combine. He ran well in the 40 and looked good in the field work. Bates is an intelligent player who could be a nice sleeper pick. Bates had a respectable redshirt sophomore season with 79 tackles, five passes broken up and an interception. His freshman year was more impressive with five interceptions, 100 tackles and four passes broken up. For the NFL, Bates could use more strength and weight on his frame to help him tackle."

*Analysis via Charlie Campbell at WalterFootball.com

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