NFL mock draft 2021: Panthers, Patriots, Bears get aggressive for QBs

2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 5th overall

With Sewell off of the board in this 2021 NFL mock draft, this becomes an interesting decision for the Cincinnati Bengals. Giving Joe Burrow an impact offensive playmaker is certainly tempting, as is trading down. That being said, I would not count out Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley with this pick.

Farley is a fantastic cornerback prospect who has massive upside at the next level. He is certainly a bit raw at this point in his career, but he flashes incredible natural playmaking ability at the position. Farley is a big and long cornerback who does a nice job of using his size to his advantage on the outside. He attacks the ball in the air extremely well and can absolutely suffocate opposing receivers in press coverage at the line of scrimmage.

Farley also displays high-level speed, quickness and athleticism, especially when you consider his size. He changes directions quickly, has the deep speed needed to compete against high-level speed receivers and closes on the ball in an instant. Simply put, Farley has elite movement skills for a player of his size.

With both William Jackson and Mackensie Alexander hitting free agency this offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals could enter the 2021 NFL Draft with a major need at the cornerback position. While Farley may not be their top choice at No. 5, he is undoubtedly worthy of being considered. The sky is the limit when it comes to Farley and if he were to reach his ceiling in Cincinnati, the Bengals would have a dynamic defensive weapon who they could build their defense around.