CINCINNATI – Right now, no one really knows what's going to happen between Jessie Bates III and the Bengals. Bates refused to sign the franchise tag that was applied to him a couple of months ago and he's currently not participating in OTAs.

What happens at mandatory minicamp is the next phase of this situation. However, everything will continue to remain open-ended until training camp, essentially. No matter if Bates shows or not.

Regardless, one NFL.com analyst, Gregg Rosenthal, has a rosy outlook on the situation. He recently wrote a column predicting starters for each team in 2022. And sure enough, Rosenthal has Bates penciled in as one of the Bengals' starting safeties for the 2022 season.

Bates in his starting lineup, but isn't mentioned in Rosenthal's analysis. He does mention the Bengals' rookie first-rounder, Dax Hill, however:

"The team's best depth — and strength overall — comes in the secondary. They are built to slow down the AFC's superpowers in Buffalo and Kansas City. I don't have first-round pick Dax Hill listed as a starter yet, but defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will find a way to take advantage of his versatile skill set in some three-safety looks. Hill can also play out of the slot."

The Bengals need Bates in 2022

Bates' presence, or absence, won't single-handedly dictate the outcome of the Bengals season. By any means. However, he is still extremely valuable to the team.

There's no guaranteed Dax Hill is ready to be an effective starter in 2022. Bates is a proven player who also knows the ins and outs of Anarumo's season. Unless Hill is an immediate Pro Bowler in 2022, there's bound to be a drop-off in play.

And don't forget Bates' leadership, either, evidenced by his team captain status in 2021.

Bates proved his worth during the postseason. He was easily one of the best players in the entire league throughout the course of the playoffs. The tape and the numbers both back that up.

Per Pro Football Focus, Bates was the highest-graded coverage safety by a wide margin (min. 55 coverage snaps). His grade of 89.2 completely overshadowed Nick Scott's second-place mark of 75.1. Quarterbacks averaged the worst QB rating when targeting Bates and other safeties (35.6) and he led his position group with two interceptions. Bates also allowed the third-lowest completion percentage (36.4%), despite being targeted the most (11) among all qualifying safeties.

And to make Bates' postseason play even more impressive: His coverage grade and interception mark also led all cornerbacks with at least 41 coverage snaps during the preseason. His allowed QB rating was second-best and his allowed completion percentage was fourth-best.

Bates was even adequate in run defense, registering a 62.4 overall grade. He only missed one tackle, as well.

Yes, Bates' 2022 season was very up-and-down, but he really came through in the playoffs. His play was a key reason why the Bengals got to the Super Bowl and his coverage abilities allow Lou Anarumo to mix it up on the back end of the defense.

It's clear the Bengals are planning for life after Bates, but they really need to do everything they can to get him on the field in 2022.

But if all goes well as Rosenthal predicts, then Cincy will be in great shape for not just the 2022 season, but another strong postseason run.

You can check out Rosenthal's full column, here.

Featured image via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports