NFL Draft: Pro comparisons for the top 32 prospects in 2021

(Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Justin Fields
(Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Justin Fields /
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Virginia Tech, Caleb Farley
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Caleb Farley /

NFL Draft 2021 Pro Comparisons: Caleb Farley → Jimmy Smith

The fact that Caleb Farley is arguably the top cornerback prospect available in the 2021 NFL Draft after opting out of his 2020 season at Virginia Tech should say a lot.

When he was actually on the field for Virginia Tech during his college career, he made it very difficult for opposing quarterbacks to complete a pass in his direction. As a sophomore in 2019, the 6-foot-2, 197-pound corner finished with 12 pass breakups and four interceptions in 14 games.

Despite his high level of talent and potential, Farely still has plenty to work on before he can develop into an elite cornerback in the NFL. He might not make an immediate impact as a rookie, but he’s got the potential to develop into an All-Pro caliber corner at the next level.

Why he compares to Jimmy Smith:

Current Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith is someone who, like Farely, has used his length to his advantage since he entered the NFL in 2011 after getting drafted in the first round.

Throughout the majority of his pro career, Smith has rarely given up a big play to the opposing offense and the same can be said about Farely’s college football career at Virginia Tech.