2021 NFL Mock Draft, 3 Rounds: Chiefs bolster O-line after Super Bowl loss

It appears the San Francisco 49ers will have some changes on the defensive side of the ball, and it’s not just because they lost their defensive coordinator. Robert Saleh more than deserved his chance to run an NFL team and 49ers fans — and players — are surely wishing him the best with the New York Jets. However, they have to get things rolling without him and they’re likely losing Richard Sherman as well.

Sherman only played in five games last season as he dealt with injuries in 2020 but he was a solid defender for them in those games — as well as the 15 he played in 2019 and the 14 the season before that. There were those who doubted his signing but he gave San Francisco what they expected.

With him set to hit the open market, there’s going to be some talent and veteran leadership walking out the door but the 49ers can get younger and more athletic at the position. That’s what happens here as they take Caleb Farley out of Virginia Tech at No. 12.

Farley was a former quarterback and wide receiver in high school. He’s new to the position of cornerback but if you watch him play, you will never know it. He’s already solid in his technique and his ball skills are impressive. What’s scary for teams who have to play against him is that he’s still growing as a player, meaning his ceiling is incredibly high.