Bates, an Archbishop Wood graduate whose 22 career starts ties him for the most on the Lions among offensive linemen, has shown versatility through his career having play left guard, left tackle and right tackle. He began training camp this summer at guard. Most of his 14 starts in 2016 came at left guard, and he was moved late in the season to left tackle. He stayed at left tackle for the first eight games of 2017 before suffering a leg injury against Ohio State. After missing the next three games, he shared time with Chasz Wright at right tackle for the final two contests. Bates received all-Big Ten third-team recognition last season.