The Panthers added Da’Norris Searcy in free agency but they could still use some more help to round out the depth chart at the safety position.

With that in mind, they’ll likely use one of this year’s early draft picks on a promising young DB prospect.

Perhaps they’ll think locally.

According to a report by Jourdan Rodrigue at the Charlotte Observer, the team will meet with Wake Forest safety Jessie Bates.

A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bates is a fine athlete and has the all-important “smooth hips” that NFL defensive backs need to be successful and Carolina’s current DBs are mostly missing. At the Combine, he ran a 4.5 second 40-yard dash and a 4.26 second 20-yard shuttle. His closest pro comparison may be Justin Evans.

Let’s take a look at Bates’ tape.

Bates vs. Clemson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q91Stt9x6Hs

Bates vs. Florida State

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zE720Y3I4U

Bates vs. Texas A&M

Bates is currently projected to be a Day 2 pick.