Brenden Bates receives serious late interest heading into NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is less than one week away. Things will be quiet for the Kentucky football program on Day 1, but expect the action to heat up on Day 2 with Andru Phillips and Trevin Wallace both within range in rounds two and three. Day 3 will also be a busy day with Ray Davis and Devin Leary expected to come off the board. Another offensive teammate could join them.

After spending six seasons at Kentucky, tight end Brenden Bates is receiving some serious late interest heading into the draft from NFL organizations. The Cincinnati (Ohio) Archbishop Moeller product has spoken with the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, and Minnesota Vikings. Bates is also receiving interest from the Los Angeles Chargers and New York Giants. The Cincinnati Bengals just hosted the hometown product for a private workout, according to Aaron Wilson.

Brenden Bates (6-4, 246) did not receive an invite to the combine but a strong pro day performance which included an excellent 40-yard dash time (4.66) and broad jump (10’02”) has put him on the radar for NFL organizations.

The former high-three star recruit in the class of 2018 played over 1,200 offensive snaps during his time at Kentucky recording 26 receptions for 272 yards. Bates was a traditional Y tight end in Kentucky’s pro-style scheme but also spent some time playing fullback. That experience along with some good testing data could allow the tight end to sneak into the seventh round next weekend.

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