3 cornerbacks that the Steelers would be smart to draft
By Brendan Howe
Caleb Farley
At once considered the preeminent cornerback in this year’s crop, it appears that Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley could still be on the board when the Steelers choose in the first round.
At his position, Farley is an uncommon blend of an ideal height and scorching speed. Dashing after a long score against Notre Dame in 2018, the six-foot-two coverman was clocked on GPS running 24 mph—legend has it—with a sore ankle.
College football’s first notable COVID-19 opt-out, Farley watched this past season from afar. He was a two-year starter in Blacksburg. In an impactful sophomore showing, he snared four interceptions and led the league with 16 passes defended.
A high school quarterback who originally landed with the Hokies as a receiver, Farley’s limited experience playing defense suggests room to grow. Tape shows his skill in press coverage. He challenges wideouts off the line and is also outstandingly fluid in his movement.
Having taken care of a persistent back ailment with a second surgery in March, he wasn’t able to audition in the Gobblers’ pro day. His medical history, which also includes an ACL tear in 2017, maybe a cause for concern, but Farley, a 2019 first-team All-ACC selection, expects to be cleared to play before training camp commences.