The Carolina Panthers are likely hoping that somehow, some way, Wake Forest safety Jessie Bates falls to them at pick No. 55 in next week's NFL draft.
Bates' draft stock, as he's gone on visits to teams in recent weeks, has started to rise steadily.
It's easy to see why.
At just 21 years old, Bates is immediately likeable and refreshingly self-aware. Even on the phone, even running a few minutes late, his amiable, earnest personality bubbles through.
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