4 boom-or-bust prospects the Vikings might gamble on in 2021
By Dean Jones
Caleb Farley – CB (Virginia Tech)
There is just no telling how good Caleb Farley is going to be as an NFL cornerback. The impact he made at Virginia Tech in 2019 was eye-catching and his physical attributes might see him taken in the top-10 if another team becomes enamored with the player.
If he falls to the Vikings, it would be a luxury pick. They spent two draft selections last year on Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler – who showed plenty of promise during their rookie campaigns – with All-Pro Patrick Peterson and Mackensie Alexander also arriving in free agency to further strengthen the unit.
Farley has all the tools needed and may get even better when one considers his lack of experience at the position after transitioning from a wide receiver in college. However, there are some injury red flags to consider before any team takes the plunge.
The corner is expected to be back for training camp after an upcoming microdiscectomy procedure, which follows on from a torn ACL in 2017 and missing two games with back spasms in 2019. Considering how high Farley is expected to be drafted, this is a situation that warrants more than a second look from any interested parties.
As for the Vikings, they have more pressing needs than cornerback after being active in free agency bolstering their options in this area and they should give Farley a wide berth.