2021 NFL Mock Draft: Texans trade Deshaun Watson to Panthers, land Justin Fields
9. player. 45. . CB. Denver Broncos. Caleb Farley
Lance going to the Lions at No. 7 is a blow to the Broncos as there is a growing belief that the franchise should be ready to cut bait with Drew Lock already and make a switch at quarterback. But with no one at the position worthy of being taken at No. 9 here, they instead look to improve the defense by taking cornerback Caleb Farley out of Virginia Tech.
Before opting out of the 2020 season with the Hokies, Farley put top-10 level film out there on the boundary. He’s big, he’s fast, he’s fluid and he’s quick. Even scarier, he could get even better as he’s a relatively recently converted wide receiver. He’s a playmaker on the outside and, as the Broncos need to get younger and better in the secondary, he’s the clear choice.
123. . CB. Dallas Cowboys. Patrick Surtain II. 10. player
NFL Spin Zone’s own Randy Gurzi posited the notion of the Dallas Cowboys again shocking everyone in the first round of the NFL Draft and taking Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. While there is a need at tight end, that would be irresponsible for America’s Team. Not only was the defense terrible in 2020 but they are set to lose players in the secondary. Thus, Patrick Surtain II is the obvious choice.
A three-year starter at Alabama and with NFL bloodlines, Surtain isn’t the fastest cornerback in the class but his skills are top-notch. He has an elite football IQ with a great build and length for the position. He can make up for his lack of top-end speed with his smarts and discipline, which could allow him to form a terrific young corner tandem with former Bama teammate Trevon Diggs.