Steelers could be in a position to land high-risk, high-reward prospect in NFL Draft
By Tommy Jaggi
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Just a few short months ago, NFL Draft analysts weren’t sure which cornerback would be selected first between Caleb Farley or Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II, and some had Farley mocked as a top-10 pick. However, some concerning medicals have shaken things up for a player who was once believed to be a sure-fire first-round prospect.
Analysts didn’t seem to read too much into Farley’s decision to opt-out of the 2020 season. Unfortunately, there are now concerns about a lingering back injury that could cause the talented cornerback to fall into the second round.
Despite Mike Tomlin’s infatuation with Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh did not send their top dogs to see Farley at his Pro Day last month. However, defensive backs coach Teryl Austin was still on hand, and Tomlin has a great relationship with the coaching staff. This isn’t to say that he will be high on Pittsburgh’s radar in round one, but perhaps there is a chance the Steelers could make an exception for him. If drafted by Pittsburgh Farley could be a rangy, scheme-versatile outside cornerback with terrific ball skills. However, his back injury makes him a high-risk, high-reward prospect in the back half of the first round.