Chicago Bears: 3 Best picks to make at No. 20 in 2021 NFL Draft

With the Chicago Bears letting go of Kyle Fuller, they need a cornerback for the future. They signed Desmond Trufant so he’ll be the outside starter opposite of Jaylon Johnson, but he’s dealt with injuries over the past few seasons. The Bears hope he can overcome those injuries. If he cannot, then they need a backup plan.

Last year, the Bears had Johnson fall on their laps because of injury concerns. Johnson was supposed to be a first-round pick but fell to the Bears at 50. That worked out for both parties. Something similar could happen this year as well.

Caleb Farley was considered a top-ten pick in last year’s draft. He decided to come back and play another season with Virginia Tech. However, he decided to opt out of the 2020 season due to COVID. He instead chose to prepare for the draft.

As a result, Farley’s stock fell. Without any tape for the 2020 season, other prospects like Jaycee Horn, Patrick Surtain II, and Greg Newsome ascended above him.

To add to the concern, Farley underwent a back procedure and missed the Hokies’ Pro Day on March 26th. Apparently, teams were able to see his medical records during the modified NFL Combine and it showed that he is healthy.

Despite that, teams tend to shy away from players with back problems so he is falling. Just a few months ago, thinking that a talent like Farley would be available at 20 was a dream. Now that possibility is realistic.

Farley has a distinct advantage over any other prospect, as well as any other pro player. He is 6-foot-2 and weighs about 200 pounds. That is the size that you don’t see in a cornerback. Additionally, he was a quarterback in high school so he knows how to quickly pick up what the wide receiver wants to do. He is patient and doesn’t bite on the receiver’s move.

Farley uses his size to harass the receiver on press coverage and can beat the receiver when they both jump up for the ball. He isn’t fast, but is quick and has long strides that help him keep up with speedy receivers.

Since he missed the 2020 season, he’ll be in a perfect situation with the Bears. He won’t have to step in and be the main guy. He can play in a rotation and pick up the NFL play then be able to step in as a starter next season.

Of course, Farley has the ability to step up and start right away. This is what happened with Johnson in 2020. Artie Burns was supposed to start until Johnson was ready to start. Burns tore his ACL and Johnson ended up starting from Week 1. Farley can do the same.

Eventually, a Johnson-Farley duo would give the Bears a great young, athletic duo at cornerback. They’ll make life miserable for both receivers and quarterbacks for years to come.