Tennessee Titans land one of NFL Draft’s best prospects in Caleb Farley

Perhaps you’ve heard. The Tennessee Titans select Caleb Farley in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 22nd-overall selection. This has to be seen as a win as he was seen as one of the best prospects at his position. Some even say that he’s the best.

Farley measured in at six-foot-two and 197 pounds. He has blazing speed, clocking in with a 4.28 40 time during his Pro Day. He’s a rare mix of size and speed at the cornerback position and profiles as a starting outside cover guy.

Okay Tennessee Titans fans, let’s dig a little deeper.

Talent-wise, Farley probably should have been a top-ten pick, but he chose to opt out of the 2020 NCAA football season due to COVID-19 concerns, meaning he has not had in-game action since 2019.

Farley had a fantastic year the last time he was on the field though. He did, however, deal with lingering back spasms all season and ended up missing the final two games of the campaign. Prior to that, Farley suffered a non-contact ACL injury in 2017. Since his last game played in 2019, he has undergone two back surgeries, but again, if not for the lingering injury concerns, he no doubt would have been the first cornerback taken.

Let’s ease a few Tennessee Titans fans’ minds.

For what it’s worth, the doctor who performed Farley’s back surgery told teams he expects Farley to be cleared to play by July. He also expects no long-term ramifications. Assuming Farley can stay healthy, he should immediately start on one side of the field, across from Janoris Jenkins, with Kristian Fulton taking over slot duties.

Farley has elite ball skills and should make an impact in the secondary immediately. He collected four INT’s in 2019 while playing in ten games. Sure, he could use improvement in the tackling department, but he has the makings of an elite man-to-man corner.

Many people didn’t expect Farley to be on the board at this point, and hopefully Vrabel and company. can bring out the best in the young corner. The Titans are slotted to pick next at 53 during Round 2. Look for the team to address the offensive side of the ball on Friday.