5 breakout stars to watch for Cincinnati Bengals in 2020

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 22: C.J. Uzomah #87 of the Cincinnati Bengals catches the ball in front of Jerome Baker #55 of the Miami Dolphins during an NFL game on December 22, 2019 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Bengals 38-35 in overtime. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: Jessie Bates #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals on the field prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on September 22, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo beats Cincinnati 21 to 17. (Photo by Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Images) /

1. FS Jessie Bates

He has put up his share of big numbers over the last two seasons. But is that because free safety Jessie Bates is an up-and-coming player or is that the Cincinnati Bengals’ front-seven on defense has had its share of issues? It may be a bit of both but there’s no denying the production from the 2018 second-round pick from Wake Forest.

As previously mentioned, the rangy performer finished with 100 tackles this past year. He also led the club with three interceptions and nine passes defensed, to go along with a forced fumble and fumble recovery. All told, he finished with one-fourth of the club’s 16 takeaways. As a rookie, Bates led the club with 111 tackles and also picked off three passes, to go along with seven passes defensed.

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Of course, here’s the rub. Via Pro Football Focus (subscription required), the two-year defender is the 70th-ranked safety in the league and has had his issues vs. the run. Of course, the Bengals did add hard-hitting strong safety Vonn Bell (Saints) this offseason. Perhaps he could teach Bates a trick or two as the play-making already appears to be there.

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