As the middle point of the 2018 NFL season hit, positive aspects about the Cincinnati Bengals became harder and harder to pinpoint. After a 4-1 start, injuries, familiar primetime stumbles and overall poor play led to a devastating 6-10 finish to the year.
Through it all, one of the perpetual bright spots for the team was Jessie Bates III. As a rookie, Bates quickly cemented himself as one of the best players on the Cincinnati defense; one who could create turnovers and make tackles with frequency.
His career arc is beginning to ascend and we could see a player who is on the precipice of becoming a household name to NFL fans.