NFL Draft 2021: Kwity Paye and the 3 best scenarios for Pittsburgh Steelers in first round

2. Steelers roll the dice on Caleb Farley

Farley might be the most physically talented corner in this year’s draft class, but questions about his injured back have his draft stock tumbling at the moment. There’s even speculation that the former Virginia Tech star might fall all the way out of Round 1.

Cornerback didn’t originally seem like a significant need for Pittsburgh heading into this year’s draft, but Justin Layne’s recent arrest might push it up the team’s list of priorities in the draft. Combine that with the fact that Farley has the aggressive style of play the Steelers want from their corners and it’s easy to understand how he might appeal to Tomlin and his defensive staff.

Don’t be shocked if the Steelers are the team that stops his Round 1 slide if he makes it all the way down to No. 24. They’ll need to be really comfortable with his medical records to make that kind of gamble, but the upside might be worth the risk when they go on the clock.

Farley’s back might prevent him from being a star as a rookie, but he’s Pro Bowl potential down the line if he can shake off his injury history. Getting that kind of upside late in Round 1 is just what a team like the Steelers should be looking for.