Draft SZN has been taken over by the Deshaun Watson smoke but we are here to get the train back on the tracks.
With the NFL Draft starting to gain hype with the Reese's Senior Bowl quickly approaching, it is time to kick our draft prep into high gear.
I take a look at one of my favorite prospects in this class and someone who could definitely be in play for the 49ers with the 12th overall pick.
Virginia Tech | CB Caleb Farley | 6'2" 197 LBS
Stats:23 Games - 56 TOT - 6 INT - 19 PD
Accolades:2019 First Team All-ACC - Led all ACC defenders is pass deflections in 2019 (16) | Tied for 2nd in ACC with INTs in 2019 (4) - Opted out of 2020 season
First Impression:
Virginia Tech Caleb Farleywill be someone who is prominently placed at the top of the CB prospect list among draft scouts. There are a couple of high-profile CB's in this class but we will take a look at what makes Farley the best prospect at his position.
Here's a guy that checks pretty much every one of my boxes when I am looking for a CB prospect.
Pros:
- Size/Athletic Profile
- integrity/Heart
- Scheme/Position Diverse/Trait Versatility
- Entire bag of tools for an elite CB
- Motor doesn't stop
- Development is still in progress, will get better
- Thrives in Press-Man Coverage
- Speed-turn is special
- High Football IQ
- If beat initially - typically recovers and maintains proper positioning
- Has ability/tools to become elite zone CB
- Always looks for PBU - active hands when ball arrives to WR
The first thing that immediately jumped off the tape was his athletic ability combined with pure tenacity. These are two of the main components/traits to look for in CB prospects.
Caleb has every tool to cover any WR type. I loved watching his 2019 matchup against then Notre Dame WR Chase Claypool. I feel in the NFL that he will be best suited as an outside cornerback in both man/zone concepts but I can see him move into the slot and cover elite TEs and/or slot WRs. The fact that he can do this becomes very valuable to any team in todays NFL.
High School QB - College WR - Elite NFL CB Prospect
Farley put up insane numbers for a duel-threat QB in HS: 2,574 rushing yards - Added 37 touchdowns on the ground to go along with 1,776 passing yards and 21 touchdown.
Caleb's background will be an important part of his evaluation which will leave scouts licking their chops regarding his ceiling.
I see the "dawg" in Farley. I see his heart when he plays. We will touch on his personal life further down in the post but I can assure you that based on his previous experience in life, in football, and outside of it - I believe you can throw anything at him and he will find a way to rise above it.
He has "it".
Below you can see his elite athletic ability combined with technique to ensure he could recover and gain proper position and break up the pass. Richard Sherman is infamous for doing speed turns.
Virginia Tech CB Caleb Farley
Not ideal to have to speed turn. Usually means you lost leverage. If you do have to speed turn, this is textbook. Excellent job on his flip/squeeze. Gets right on that upfield shoulder. No round off. Great job attacking the ball at its highest point pic.twitter.com/nr6Sk2vYWa
Farley only played two seasons at CB in his entire football career so his arrow is still pointing up in regards to positional development. He is not a finished product and thats what will be exciting to scouts.
Caleb Farley doesn't have a ton of experience in zone coverage. This is a good sign though. Passes the deep route to his deep safety and then jumps the crosser and scores on the return. pic.twitter.com/FTpXICIqrr
Farley excels at man coverage which is much more physically demanding than playing in zone. His ability allows him to mirror any WR he faced.
Going through some tape on VA Tech CB Caleb Farley (6-foot-2, 207) —
Long frame with physical tools. Man-coverage ability (press/off). Short-area speed at the break + 2nd gear to recover vs. crossers/verticals. High-level ball production.
- Can be overzealous when trying to jump routes with anticipation
- Bites on double-moves at times
- Tends to dip shoulder when tackling in open space
- Hands in press aren't super strong - more of a slap
- Not an "physical" CB but will absolutely get his nose dirty
- Needs to continue to develop technique
- Needs work on disengaging from blocks
- Opted-out of 2020 season
There is no such thing as a perfect prospect. Every player enters the league at their own place in their development and Caleb is definitely a "developmental" prospect.
To be clear, if he was a "Finished Product" heading into this draft, he would still likely be a 1st round pick. His traits are undeniable.
Most perceived "Con" listed is all technically driven. I believe Farley has the mentality and integrity to stay working on his craft and has the drive to get better, arguably the most important attribute when scouting prospects.
More on Caleb Farley. I'll put out a full scouting report soon.
Bad rep here. It's really b/c of his eyes. Receiver is running towards the corner and Farley is stuck on the QB. He's never going to get there. But that's an easy fix. Won't knock him on that as a prospect... BUT.. pic.twitter.com/UvA0uH56vo
This will be a something that we focus heavily on that many other scouts and/or draft sites don't discuss too often.
Emotional intelligence (otherwise known as emotional quotient or EQ) is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.
Typically, draft analysis is focused around physical traits. However, if there is anything I have learned about scouting, it doesn't matter how good you are, how elite your traits are. If you don't have the right mental capacity and integrity that is required to play at a high level, it is not uncommon for a prospect to not be able to adjust to the mental demands of the NFL.
This is the hardest part of scouting. It is however one of the most important aspects of measuring perceived value, and how that player will adjust to the everyday struggles of developing into a solid NFL Player.
Caleb Farley's Story
When you watch the video below, you will become an instant fan of Caleb Farley.
His mother passed away in 2018 from breast cancer. The mental fortitude and perseverance he has shown since that terrible tragedy makes me believe that he can handle absolutely anything on the football field that is thrown at him.
Looking at the psychology involved when dealing with massive personal loss - you have to applaud Caleb's mental strength and the support system he has behind him that has allowed him to persevere through the toughest thing he will likely ever have to endure.
From an EQ evaluation - Caleb passes with flying colors and I believe this will help propel him towards continued success and growth while in the NFL.
Is someone cutting onions?
Draft Projection:Top 15 Pick
Pro Player Comp:Bears CB Kyle Fuller
Role/Scheme Fit:Outside Cornerback - Scheme Diverse
Position Rank:#1 Ranked CB in 2021 Class
Let us know if you agree/disagree on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook!
The San Francisco 49ers boasted the best defense in the NFL. Then, the Kansas City Chiefs treated it like a cute little plaything during Sunday's blowout win at Levi's Stadium
An impressive 37-15 victory over Carolina moved the San Francisco 49ers into sole possession of first place in the NFC West. But the win did not come without significant cost
The San Francisco 49ers are vastly superior to the Carolina Panthers, but nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Here's what they need to do in order to secure a road win on Sunday
