Titans draft Farley at No. 22 to boost secondary

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 05: Caleb Farley #3 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates with teammates against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Miami, Florida.
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The Tennessee Titans selected corner Caleb Farley out of Virginia Tech in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, 22nd overall.

The cornerback position became a need for the Titans this offseason after they cut Adoree' Jackson and Malcolm Butler.

Farley entered the 2021 draft as one of the top corners available and could've been the first selected at his position if it wasn't for injury concerns. The 22-year-old dealt with back ailments over the past two years, which led to a pair of surgeries. Farley opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The former Hokies star racked up 19 pass breakups and six sacks in two campaigns at Virginia Tech.

Tennessee ranked 28th in yards allowed and 25th in points allowed in 2020.

Draft profile

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Key stats (2019): 20 tackles, 4 interceptions, 12 passes defended

Farley has more natural talent than any other defensive back in this class. Despite opting out of the 2020 campaign, the former Hokie displayed elite speed and athleticism, amassing six interceptions and 19 pass breakups in 23 career games. His advanced instincts and route anticipation fit in any coverage scheme. Farley's injury history is his largest hurdle, as he tore his ACL in 2017 and recently underwent surgery to remove a herniated disk in his spine. If healthy - and it's a pretty big if at this point - Farley's tools and mental acumen will allow him to excel wherever he lands.

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