Raiders Wouldn’t Shock Anyone if They Drafted Caleb Farley 17th Overall
When it comes to unexpected picks in the NFL Draft, there are 31 teams and then, there’s the Las Vegas Raiders. The Silver and Black have previously shown they aren’t afraid to go against conventional wisdom. Thus, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them take Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley 17th overall in the selection meeting.
Analyst Mike Tanier of Pro Football Network projects the Raiders will take Farley in the first round. He points out head coach Jon Gruden has a penchant for taking an unconventional route. Also, the Virginia Tech standout is the kind of athlete he craves, tall, and physical. In the end, Tanier believes taking Farley will be either a “stroke of genius” or just another name on the Injury Reserve list.
Had Farley not undergone back surgery last March, he would have most likely been the first cornerback off the board in the draft. Then again, he told Peter King of NBC Sports NFL doctors have cleared him for the 2021 season. A two-year starter for the Hokies, the corner logged 19 passes defensed and six interceptions in 23 games. The Raiders’ secondary could certainly use his top-end speed and his ability to blanket opposing wide receivers.
