NFL Draft 2021: 3 best outcomes for New Orleans Saints in Round 1

1. Bet on Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley concerns to fall in their lap

Ultimately, it feels as if New Orleans wants to grab a premier talent. The one talent that could be better than all the rest is slowly falling down draft boards due to overall concerns of his longevity.

There was a point during the pre-draft process where Farley was actually considered the top cornerback. Despite opting out in 2020 due to COVID-19, the former Hokies footwork, vision and timing made him a can’t-miss prospect.

Farley is the most likely to fall outside of the top 20 because of concerns over a lingering back injury. He had one surgery after the 2019 campaign, but then had another surgery last month, causing him to miss Virginia Tech’s Pro Day. Teams have now become weary of if he will be a full-time starter by the time his rookie contract is up.

ESPN’s Todd McShay though still is sold on the upside.

“If your staff tells me that you’re gonna have him for 10 years healthy, then I’m taking him as the No. 1 corner and maybe, arguably, the No. 1 defensive player in this class. That’s how much I love his tape,” McShay said.

Depending on how far he falls, this is 100 percent the trade worth moving up to get. Farley is a staring-caliber cornerback that could pair will with Marshon Lattimore and Marcus Williams, creating a tandem in New Orleans where defense becomes a priority.