CB Farley could slide to Packers
Latest in a Packers Prospects series looking at players Green Bay could select in the April 29-May 1 NFL draft.
GREEN BAY - If not for the pandemic, the Green Bay Packers likely wouldn't even dream of being able to draft Virginia Tech corner Caleb Farley.
Farley exudes No. 1 cornerback potential in the NFL. He's a rare combination of size and speed, standing 6-2, 207 pounds and reportedly running a 4.3 40. A high school quarterback, his 58 total touchdowns (passing and running) as a senior ranked third in North Carolina state history for a single season. Farley signed with Virginia Tech to play receiver, but tore his ACL in 2017, converted to cornerback as a redshirt and was firstteam all-ACC as a sophomore in 2019.
A breakout 2020 season loomed on the horizon. Then the pandemic hit, and Farley became the first major college football player to opt out. Farley cited motivation to protect his father, Robert. His mother, Robin, died in 2018 after battling breast cancer. Farley also wrote in a first-person account on NBC's “Good Morning Football” the Hokies practiced improper coronavirus protocols, which exacerbated his concern.
So Farley represents something of a conundrum for NFL scouts entering this month's draft. On ability and potential, he is one of the top defensive players in this class. On film, he is woefully short. He has played only two seasons as a cornerback, and though he was prolific with six interceptions — including four in 2019 — Farley is also inexperienced.
A microdiscectomy procedure on his back in March also prevented Farley from participating in Virginia Tech's pro day. As such, scouts will need to rely heavily on Farley's splendid 2019 season. In 396 cover snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, Farley allowed 18 catches on 50 targets for 257 yards. He had a 26.8 passer rating when targeted and allowed only one touchdown.
With the Packers, his size and speed could make an ideal fit as a long-term fixture opposite Jaire Alexander. Kevin King, the big corner in the Packers' defense, will play 2021 on a one-year contract. Farley's lack of ideal experience could force an adjustment to the NFL. Joining a secondary with two startingcaliber corners in place could benefit his development.
Of course, Farley would need to drop within range of the Packers (who have the No. 29 pick) first. There's no certainty that will happen, not for a cornerback with Farley's skill set. Still, if injury and inexperience cause a slide, the Packers could be ready to pounce.
Scouting measurables: 6-2, 207 pounds, 321⁄2-inch arms, reportedly 4.3 40.
Stats: Opted out of 2020 season. Pro Football Focus analysis: Farley has the combo that every team is looking for. From size to speed to length to ball skills, he has displayed it all. His tape shows a player who could make up any cushion down the field. Unsurpris
ingly, he’s reported to run in the 4.3s, which shows on tape repeatedly. But he’s not solely an athlete playing corner. Farley has legit instincts for the position. While he has been known to get caught with his eyes in the backfield, he has some amazing breaks from off-coverage on his tape. While he’s not the most fluid and doesn’t have much of a proven history in press-man coverage in Virginia Tech’s defense, Farley has the uncoachable aspects of the position in droves.
Draftniks say: “Caleb Farley, I went back and looked at him in 2019, he was so good. I mean, Caleb Farley really had a good year. And he’s got length, a former wide receiver. A guy that doesn’t tackle well. That’s something he’s gotta show a little more toughness, and tackle and be more consistent in that area. But in coverage, he located, he was getting those late pass breakups. I mean, he was really a lockdown, cover corner in 2019. So I look at Farley, had he played this year, I think he could have been a top-five pick. (Jeff Okudah) went way up there. Why couldn’t Caleb Farley go up there? The only thing that keeps you from going too crazy in the rankings … is the fact that he didn’t play”
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Quotable: “I did a great job managing over a year but that bulge is still in my S1 and unfortunately I irritated it a month ago, which caused me to pull back on my training. I was trying to cut back and manage the inflammation to come out here on pro day and put up some crazy numbers. But after talking to Dr. (Robert) Watkins, getting the MRI and getting things looked at, we were advised it would be best to go ahead and fix this problem so I will be ready for training camp and ready for the season. It was not a recurring disc or anything like that. What I had previously worked on is still intact. It was great news. I’m actually excited about this.”
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Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN Caleb Farley on back injury, via Atlanta Journal Constitution