Scouting Journals for Cai Bates

Tall cover corner with developmental upside at the position given his length, ball skills and relative lack of experience. Measured in at 6-foot-1.5, 175 pounds prior to his senior season. Has solid length for the position. Converted from receiver to corner late in his junior season and quickly looked like a natural in coverage. Shows quick feet and good instincts. Reads receiver’s hips and is able to anticipate movements. Flips his hips and stays in phase running with receivers down the boundary. Looks to be functionally athletic. Has plus ball skills at corner. Shows the ability to get his head turned around and make a play on the ball. Plays faster than he runs on the track. Needs considerable improvement as a run defender and developing as a player outside of coverage. Shows striking power in flashes but too often gets pushed around by blockers on the perimeter. Still learning how to tackle, but needs to show requisite physicality and effort, as well.