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2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Power Rankings
Aug 28, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans cornerback Caleb Farley (3) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Caleb Farley, CB, Tennessee Titans

2021 Stats:

  • 4 Tackles
  • 1 Pass Defensed

One of the riskier selections in the 2021 NFL Draft came at No. 22 when the Tenessee Titans selected Caleb Farley out of Virginia Tech. Farley was one of the more talented defensive backs in the class and had great size at 6-foot-2 and 197-pounds.

He also put up great numbers in two seasons with the Hokies as he had 43 tackles, 19 pass defenses, and six picks in 23 career games. But he also had his share of health concerns and after sitting out the 2020 campaign, he entered the draft and suffered a back injury.

Farley had dealt with other issues as well, which is why he slid to the 22nd pick, where the Titans were trying to go for a high reward. Unfortunately, the risk got them as Farley played in only three games as a rookie before suffering a torn ACL.

Such an injury can happen to any player at any time, but it’s always tough to see this happen when it’s a player who already had other concerns when it came to durability. Normally, a rookie playing in just three games would be given an incomplete grade, but since there were already concerns, this one gets a low grade — but at least it’s not a failure yet since he can still turn things around.

Grade: D

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