When asked on NFL Network, Toney said that he models his game after Alvin Kamara. With the team releasing Emmanuel Sanders earlier this offseason, adding a versatile playmaker like Toney to the receiving corps would be a great fit for Sean Payton's offense.
The March 11 release of Janoris Jenkins freed up some money for New Orleans, but it also created a significant hole opposite young, shutdown corner Marshon Lattimore. Durability concerns will push Farley down the board a bit, but he's a top 15 talent.
Farley was my CB1 in January, but as other corners tested well and Farley underwent another back procedure, he dropped to the bottom of the first. That's great news for the Saints, who lost Janoris Jenkins in free agency.
The Saints might prefer Collins, but they don't have the draft capital to move up to get him. After losing Alex Anzalone and Kwon Alexander, they have a need for a linebacker, but they could also target a receiver here.
Davis is an impressive size/speed athlete who trusts his eyes to lead him to the football. He only started one season, but it was a productive one season with 10.2 tackles per game and three interceptions, including a pick-six vs. Tennessee.
Whoo, boy. We're not certain Mills will crack the top 32 picks, but a landing spot here wouldn't be a stunner. The Saints have bypassed QBs left and right over the years in an effort to add more immediate firepower. With Drew Brees gone, the Saints are left with Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill.
They could roll the dice on Mills -- whom they've done their homework on -- after his limited body of work (11 college starts) but promising upside. Every few years we see teams late in Round 1 draft QBs (Jordan Love, Lamar Jackson, Paxton Lynch, Teddy Bridgewater) with an eye on locking them in with the fifth-year option.
The Saints haven't been able to add players this offseason because of their salary-cap constraints, so this is their best chance to get a player who can make an immediate impact. They have to hit on their pick if they want to extend their championship window with Drew Brees retired. Collins is a versatile linebacker who was the only FBS player to have at least four sacks and four interceptions last season. He wasn't asked to rush the passer much, but he still got four sacks. He could play outside or middle linebacker for New Orleans. He's a fun defender to watch.
Collins is a 6-foot-5 gazelle at LB, able to cover in space and also get to the QB. The Saints are in a fork-in-the-road period as a franchise, with questions at several areas. Collins is the type of impact player who can help in Year 1.
Whether or not the Packers are willing to use their first-round pick on a linebacker, Davis has earned his share of Round 1 buzz and inside linebacker is one of the team's top needs. While inexperienced as a one-year starter, Davis had a breakout 2020 campaign (team-high 102 tackles) and he's a rangy, three-down linebacker with explosive athleticism and length.
As long as Aaron Rodgers is in town, protecting the league's MVP should be priority No. 1. With the Packers losing Pro Bowl center Corey Linsley to free agency, the club should take advantage of this year's underrated group of interior blockers. Humphrey's grit and experience in a heavy shotgun scheme should make his jump to the NFL a relatively smooth one.
Trade details: Packers give up first-rounder (No. 29) and third-rounder (No. 92) for No. 24 and fourth-rounder (No. 140). Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has moved in the first round in each of the past three years so why not make it four? With the Browns needing a corner at 26, the Packers trade with another storied franchise for the best CB remaining after a down year from Kevin King.
The Packers could also consider an offensive lineman here, but too many of the best ones are gone in this scenario. Aaron Rodgers will be disappointed if they miss out on a top receiver for a second consecutive draft.
A top-10 pick based on raw talent, Farley will likely see a slight slide on draft day due to his medical situation (He had back surgery last month). How far? That's anyone's guess right now, but he could prove to be an unbelievable value in the late first round.
The Packers have been aggressive in Round 1 under GM Brian Gutekunst, trading up multiple times the past few years. Drafting Farley would be a different form of aggression, betting that Farley's health worries are worth the risk on a player who was a possible top-10 pick at one point. And traditionally, this is a club that is conservative when it comes to medical risks. But they sure could use some insurance for Kevin King, and Farley could be a home run selection -- or, if his back problems worsen, a whiff.
Like the Saints, the Packers haven't been able to add roster improvements because they're up against the cap, so let's snag a wide receiver for reigning MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Bateman played outside and in the slot for the Golden Gophers, averaging 20.3 yards per catch in 2019. He would instantly become Green Bay's No. 2 wideout behind Davante Adams. Bateman is the sixth and final Round 1 wide receiver in this mock draft. The Packers could also address the interior of their offensive line, particularly with longtime starting center Corey Linsley leaving in free agency.
Joe Barry is the new DC and his specialty is LB play. I'm not sure GB's defense didn't miss Blake Martinez roaming the middle in big games last year. Bolton isn't going to jump off the page with eye-popping athleticism, but everyone says he'll be the QB of whichever defense he joins.
Since stepping onto Clemson's campus as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2018 recruiting cycle, Lawrence has been the presumptive top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite all of the losing in Duval County over the past 10-15 years, this marks the first time in franchise history that the Jags own the rights to the top pick in the draft.
While nobody is a perfect prospect, Lawrence checks all of the boxes with elite arm talent, mobility and leadership. The Urban Meyer era begins with the best QB prospect since Andrew Luckand a treasure trove of draft capital -- nine picks in the first five rounds (top 170).
Before his back surgery, Farley was in the mix to be the draft's CB1 and a top-10 pick. Back injuries are always tricky, but Farley is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. Given the rebuild going on in Duval County, the Jaguars can be patient with Farley as they are in no position to contend this year. Farley has an ideal combination of size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds), athleticism (sub-4.4 forty) and ball skills (six INTs in two seasons).
Literally heads and shoulders above the rest of an exceptional quarterback class, Lawrence has all of the traits to transform Jacksonville into a contender. Perhaps best of all, he is an ideal fit in Urban Meyer's scheme.
Considering they finished 1-16 last season, the Jaguars are surprisingly talented with just two positions of major concern -- QB and TE -- following a spending spree in free agency. Urban Meyer might appreciate the impact Freiermuth made in the Big Ten more than most, and the drop-off in talent at tight end is significant enough to warrant what some would perceive as a slight reach.
With 10 picks, including the first one of the second round, I can absolutely see the Jags trading up a few spots and getting their (second) guy of the draft. Meyer wants to establish the line of scrimmage, so I can see him adding to the defensive line here where there's value in the late-first in taking a defensive tackle like Barmore, who absolutely turned it on in the College Football Playoff.
Lawrence being selected first overall was inevitable. He's one of the most talented quarterbacks to enter the NFL in years. He'll be the centerpiece for new coach Urban Meyer's rebuilding effort.
Moehrig is the best safety in the draft and would upgrade the position for Jacksonville. Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore is another candidate here, as the team mulls a change to a 3-4 defense.
In most years, there is a level of intrigue up until draft day regarding the No. 1 pick. This isn't most years -- Lawrence is the pick.
25. Elijah Moore, WR, Mississippi
Wide receiver isn't a screaming need for the Jaguars, but new coach Urban Meyer covets speed. Moore (and his 4.35 40-yard dash and 6.67 3-cone) checks that box. If Lawrence and Moore reach their full potential, Jacksonville will be talking about this first-round haul for a long time.
He skipped the NFL scouting combine medical recheck in Indianapolis for his surgically repaired shoulder to get married. Solid excuse. It also tells us that Lawrence knows for sure he's going first overall.
When the Jaguars lost out on Tyson Alualu, it left a void up front. It's clear they want to add size and athleticism. The redshirt sophomore isn't ready for prime time yet but has disruptive traits and the highest ceiling of what looks like a lean year for DTs.
With a depleted roster and in the beginning stages of a rebuild, new Jaguars coach Urban Meyer and general manager Trent Baalke have a chance to start fresh, take one of my highest-graded quarterbacks ever and build around him. The Jaguars have three more picks in the top 45 -- at Nos. 25, 33 and 45 -- to plug other holes, and they need to hit on those. Lawrence is a no-brainer as the top signal-caller in this class.
I'll stick with Moehrig to the Jaguars here as a free safety complement to free-agent signing Rayshawn Jenkins. I thought about a pass-catcher, but the Jaguars could find an impact player in Round 2 (they pick at Nos. 33 and 45). Offensive line could be another position to target, but they shouldn't reach. Moehrig, who had 19 pass breakups over the last two seasons and won the Thorpe Award as the country's best defensive back in 2020, isn't likely to be on the board in Round 2. He's my top-ranked safety.
This one has been the books since the Jets beat the Rams in Los Angeles last December. I don't think Urban Meyer leaves the FOX Sports studios if Trevor Lawrence isn't available for Jacksonville at No. 1.
Urban Meyer knows how critical the pass rush is to building a champion. The Jags finished last season with the second-fewest sacks (18) in the NFL. Oweh is a one-year starter, but ran an absurd 4.36 40-yard dash at his pro day, can pressure the QB and can be an immediate contributor to a defense that can use one.
The Ravens have one of the league's best collections of cornerbacks, but they could use an upgrade at safety. The top safety prospect in this year's draft class, Moehrig offers positional versatility and has intercepted six passes over the past two seasons combined.
Having already lost Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue in free agency, expect the Ravens to address the need for a pass rusher early in the draft. A size-speed freak like Collins simply makes too much sense at this point.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta loves trading back but … say it with me … look at the value here. It's the best safety in the draft available at No. 27. He can play both safety positions to add to Wink Martindale's diverse blitz packages, and he threw up 33 reps on the bench, so you know he can make the tackles in the box.
The Ravens lost two of their best pass rushers with the departures of Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue, so edge-rush help is a priority for them in this draft.
The Ravens have plenty of speed at wide receiver, but not many pass-catchers with Bateman's savvy. His ability to leverage coverage and run the full route tree should allow him to quickly become a favorite target of Lamar Jackson.
Losing Matt Judon and Yannick Ngakoue puts edge rush high on their wish list. And in this scenario, the Ravens find a young, highly productive rusher who should grade highly on their board after a 9.5-sack, four-FF season in his 12 games.
As I wrote in my Mock Draft 3.0, quarterback Lamar Jackson needs an outside wide receiver who can run every route. That's Marshall, and it's rare that a team is able to find a guy like him this late in Round 1. That just shows how exceptional and deep this wideout class is going to be. Marshall fits even with Sammy Watkins joining Baltimore on a one-year deal. With Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue both gone in free agency, I also thought about Penn State edge defender Jayson Oweh, who has big-time upside.
The Ravens have a great, young defensive backfield. They're not done adding to it. Farley, who is only available at this point because of health concerns, combines 4.4 speed with good NFL size. Wink Martindale and the Ravens' D will find a way to make him shine even brighter than he did in college.
Other than his slight frame (6-0, 170), what is not to like about Smith? An outstanding route-runner, the sure-handed receiver has been been uber-productive the past two years.
If Smith had declared last year, he would have joined Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy as first-round receivers. This year, he'll join teammate Jaylen Waddle as a first-rounder. Despite the star-studded receiving corps in Tuscaloosa, it was Smith that led the team in receiving yards (1,256) and touchdowns (14) last season. This year, the Heisman Trophy winner really stepped up with the injury to Waddle as he led the FBS in receptions (117) and yards (1,856) and was second in touchdowns (23).
DeAndre Hopkins was an immediate hit in the heat of Arizona, but no one else truly stepped up as a secondary target for Kyler Murray. Toney is a future No. 1 target in his own right. Dynamic after the catch, he would be an ideal complement to the bigger (but slower) Hopkins.
No excuses for Kyler Murray and head coach Kliff Kingsbury in 2021. I could easily see the Cards going corner here but Toney's speed and versatility should make the Arizona brass salivate. Cardinals need a burner, and they'll get it with Toney's sub-4.40 speed.
The Cardinals could take an edge rusher here, but Vera-Tucker might be too good to pass up. Five of their top six linemen will be 30 or older by July, so this pick would help them get younger.
What a steal if Smith falls this far. The Cardinals have solid role players behind DeAndre Hopkins on the receiver depth chart and there are arguably greater team needs, but Arizona can't pass on Smith and his impact in that offense.
The Cardinals certainly could trade down here. Right now, they lack picks in Rounds 3, 4 and 6 and currently have one selection in a nearly 200-pick span between Days 2 and 3.
If this scenario unfolded, with the Heisman Trophy-winning Smith still on the board, he'd be tough to pass up. They signed A.J. Green, and Larry Fitzgerald hasn't yet said whether he'll come back, but adding Smith to this group would be a no-brainer. The Cardinals have no great tight ends -- just go four- and five-wide all game.
Farley is my top-ranked corner, but he could be the third off the board depending on his medical checks. He had back surgery last month -- a microdiscectomy -- and wasn't able to work out at his pro day, which means teams weren't able to see him up close after he opted out of the 2020 season. At his best, though, Farley has the highest ceiling of all the defensive backs in this class. Arizona let Patrick Peterson walk in free agency and signed Malcolm Butler on a short-term deal, but it could still address the position here.
Pitts isn't falling out of the top eight. Too many teams are intoxicated by him. I've got the Cardinals as aggressors -- as they've been all offseason -- with Steve Keim bringing in yet another weapon for Kyler Murray. Arizona gives up this year's first-rounder, next year's first and next year's third to move up from No. 16.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Chicago Bears Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Chicago Bears from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
Given a lack of length (32 1/8" arms), Vera-Tucker is better suited to play guard at the next level, but he boosted his stock by how well he played when replacing Austin Jackson at left tackle for the Trojans last year. Vera-Tucker's movement skills, balance and versatility put him inside the top 20 of our 2021 NFL Draft Big Board.
Chicago is likely out of reach to trade up for a top-five QB, at least without completely leveraging the organization's future. So it might as well give Andy Dalton -- and his eventual replacement -- another playmaker to work with, even after placing the franchise tag on Allen Robinson II. Toney is a different kind of receiver: He isn't polished, but he's versatile and explosive. Get the ball to him and he'll make things happen. The Bears could use that skill set on offense.
Unless the Bears find a way to leap into the top five to draft a quarterback, it appears it's Andy Dalton or bust in 2021. That shouldn't stop the team from upgrading the offense, which needs to prepare for the eventual departure of franchise-tagged wide receiver Allen Robinson.
There still remains a rather big wildcard between now and the draft and that's Sam Darnold. I know the official Bears Twitter account tweeted out a statement about their new QB Andy Dalton, which drew the ire of pretty much the entire fanbase, but I expect them to still look to upgrade that position if Darnold or perhaps Jimmy G. becomes available.
Much like the Panthers in this mock, they instead will settle on adding the best weapon available for whoever is playing QB for them next year. Although looking at Bateman's college stats, coupled with his recent sub-4.4 40 at the Exos combine on 2/27, it's unfair to describe picking Bateman as "settling." Just a sophomore in 2019, he had 1,219 yards and 11 TDs while averaging over 20 yards per catch.
The Bears were forced to release All-Pro cornerback Kyle Fuller in order to clear some cap space. Farley is a physical press corner with elite athleticism and size (6-foot-2, 207 pounds) who didn't play last season due to COVID. I imagine a recent back surgery will damage his stock a bit -- even though he should be ready for training camp.
Smith has the talent to be a top-10 pick, but NFL teams could balk at his lack of bulk. If that happens, the Bears could reap the benefits on draft day. After missing out on the Kenny Golladay sweepstakes, Chicago scoops up the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and adds a natural playmaker to its passing game. Lining up opposite Allen Robinson, Smith would give new quarterback Andy Dalton a second go-to option.
The Bears released star cornerback Kyle Fuller and replaced him with Desmond Trufant, but they could use more depth behind him and second-year pro Jaylon Johnson. Caleb Farley opted out of the 2020 season, but he has an excellent mix of size (6-2, 207), speed, and physicality in press man coverage. He does have a bit of an injury history and missed his Pro Day to undergo a procedure on his back, but agent Drew Rosenhaus said Farley should be good to go by training camp.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Arizona Cardinals Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Arizona Cardinals from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks from recent NFL mock drafts for the Cardinals:
Especially given the Stephon Gilmore rumors that have circulated in Foxboro, it wouldn't surprise me if Horn went off the board a pick earlier than this. (And interestingly enough, the 49ers trade up to No. 3 allows the Cards to get their man as he likely would have been their non-QB pick if they stayed at No. 12.)
The son of former Pro Bowl receiver Joe Horn, Jaycee excels in press-man coverage due to his size, physical playing style and competitive demeanor. He helped his case with a strong performance at South Carolina's Pro Day -- 4.39 forty, 41.5" vertical and 11'1" broad jump.
Patrick Peterson is off to Minnesota, both starting outside corners -- Malcolm Butler and Robert Alford -- signed one-year deals and Byron Murphy Jr. is mainly a nickelback. Farley had a back procedure at the end of March, and though it isn't expected to impact his training camp availability, it's a concern. Still, he is the best cover corner in the class and fits what the Cardinals are looking for on the outside.
The Cardinals will be happy to take whichever cornerback ends up falling to No. 16 after losing Patrick Peterson and Dre Kirkpatrick from what was a mediocre secondary in 2020. Farley has some injury concerns after another back surgery but was one of the nation's top corners in 2019.
If the draft plays out this way, the Cardinals will feel fortunate that one of the top three cornerbacks actually fell to them, especially after Patrick Peterson officially left for Minnesota. Farley only falls down to 16 because of his recent back surgery that kept him from performing at his pro day but all reports say he should be cleared by training camp so I don't think he falls much further than this.
If you're a fantasy player who is excited about Chase Edmonds' potential as a featured back now that Kenyan Drake has moved on, don't get your hopes up. Harris has evolved into an all-around threat. Of course, he's a powerful runner with his size (6-foot-2, 230 pounds), but he's also developed into a great receiver out of the backfield and he's improved significantly in pass-protection.
His fall stops here following news of back surgery that hopefully will see him ready for training camp. J.J. Watt arrives as a bookend for Chandler Jones, and now defensive coordinator Vance Joseph gets an athletic 6-foot-2, 207-pound replacement for Patrick Peterson (Vikings).
The Cardinals worked to improve in the trenches on both sides of the ball in free agency: They brought in defensive lineman J.J. Watt, re-signed edge rusher Markus Golden, and traded for center Rodney Hudson. Now they can turn their attention to becoming more dynamic on offense, a goal that veteran receiver A.J. Green just isn't going to help with much. Waddle is a lighting-fast playmaker who's capable of stretching a defense deep and picking up yards after the catch.
Patrick Peterson left for the Vikings and Dre Kirkpatrick remains unsigned, and although the Cardinals brought in Malcolm Butler, there's still not much depth. Jaycee Horn --the son of former NFL receiver Joe Horn -- is a lengthy outside corner who thrives in physical, press coverage.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our New York Jets Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the New York Jets from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
Enjoying a pre-draft rise similar to that of Joe Burrow last year, Wilson uses his athleticism to make and extend plays and is especially accurate throwing downfield. Appearing on the Dan Patrick Show, Chris Simms said, "I'm blown away by Zach Wilson, Dan. You know I look at it, and look at, and say this is an Aaron Rodgers, a Patrick Mahomes, Brett Favre-ish type guy."
While Simms is the outlier in ranking Wilson over Lawrence, one thing is a virtual lock -- Lawrence-Wilson will go 1-2 to kick off the 2021 NFL Draft.
If it weren't for the back surgery (and full injury history), it's unlikely that Farley would have been available here. That said, the Jets (if comfortable with the medicals) get an elite corner that fits exactly what new head coach Robert Saleh would like to do on defense. Farley has an ideal combination of size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds), athleticism (sub-4.4 forty) and ball skills (six INTs in two seasons).
Could a team move up to No. 2 and send the Jets a package similar to -- if not exceeding -- what the Dolphins got from the 49ers? It's possible. But the Jets could very well move on from Sam Darnold and start fresh with Wilson at quarterback. He fits so well with the modern NFL, showing the ability to make plays on the run, the arm strength to drive the ball vertically and the instincts to tuck and run for big gains when necessary. But similar to the Jags, the Jets have to get Wilson support. They brought in Corey Davis, Keelan Cole Sr. and Tevin Coleman over the past few weeks and have nine total picks to work with.
With Wilson being the pick at No. 2, New York now has to help him out. I liked the Jets bringing in Corey Davis and Keelan Cole Sr., but this is another potential spot for Terrace Marshall Jr. or perhaps Ole Miss' Elijah Moore. And don't rule out an offensive tackle like Teven Jenkins (Oklahoma State). I'm going with Etienne, though. He has breakaway speed and can catch passes out of the backfield. The Jets need a true game-changer at running back, and he's exactly that, scoring 78 touchdowns from scrimmage over his time at Clemson.
General manager Joe Douglas and new coach Robert Saleh get the chance to start fresh with a new quarterback, with 2018 No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold likely leaving in a trade. Having a player like Wilson -- who seemed to lock up the No. 2 spot with an impressive pro day -- on a rookie deal will help New York build a better roster over the next few seasons.
The addition of Carl Lawson in free agency will help, but the Jets could still use another edge rusher as they build their roster under a defensive-minded coach. Phillips has an unsettling injury history, but was one of the most productive players in the country in 2020 and impressed scouts at his pro day.
His pro day certainly did not hurt his draft status, as one of his throws went viral and had scouts claiming that Wilson is the pick and the draft really begins at pick No. 3. Wilson has seen the biggest rise up draft boards in the past year both due to his "wow" throws but also his accuracy and mobility. His 2020 season justifies the praise he has been receiving as he threw for 33 TDs and only three interceptions while completing 73.5% of his passes.
One player that may have had their draft stock drop a bit after their pro day measurables was Alijah Vera-Tucker, as his arm length of 32 1/8" will have teams questioning his ability to play offensive tackle full-time at the next level. The Jets, who had the 29th-ranked offensive line last year per PFF, could use an upgrade at pretty much every spot outside of left tackle so they don't mind taking what could now be the best guard in the draft.
If the Jets were willing to deal this pick, I'm positive they would have made the deal with the 49ers for the No. 12 overall selection and two future first-rounders. Which means they're locked in on a player and it's likely Wilson. The former Cougar didn't disappoint at his pro day. I expect Sam Darnold to be dealt before the draft.
If past is prologue, once head coach Robert Saleh has his quarterback situation figured out, he'll focus on building a pass rush. Phillips stepped up in Gregory Rousseau's absence after transferring from UCLA. The former highly-touted recruit is a relentless pass rusher who produced eight sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in 10 games as a Hurricane.
Sam Darnold was not in attendance at Wilson's Pro Day on Friday. Neither was Corey Davis. But Joe Douglas sure was. Broadway Zach, here we come! Tape don't lie. Time to reset the financial clock at quarterback. Sam, we hardly knew ye.
A home-run threat in the open field and a security blanket in the passing game for offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur to help the young quarterback, whomever that may be.
All signs still point to the Jets taking a quarterback at no. 2, and Wilson remains the clear favorite with just over a month left until the draft. New York will have to figure out what to do with Sam Darnold, but the team made a few smart moves in free agency, signing pass catchers Corey Davis, Keelan Cole, and Tyler Kroft while adding depth to the offensive line in center Dan Feeney. The situation for a rookie passer is getting better.
After drafting their quarterback of the future early in the first round, the Jets turn to the defense with their second pick. Paye is explosive and powerful, and would complement New York's burgeoning pass-rushing group led by Quinnen Williams and free-agent addition Carl Lawson.
The Jets splurged on offensive help in free agency, signing receivers Corey Davis and Keelan Cole as well as running back Tevin Coleman. The big question remains: Will it be Sam Darnold getting the ball to them, or will it be a rookie quarterback? In this instance, GM Joe Douglas deals Darnold and starts fresh with Zach Wilson, a well-rounded quarterback with a great deep ball, solid mobility and a sixth sense for pressure.
After getting their new quarterback at the top of the draft, the Jets address their biggest need on the defensive side of the ball. Greg Newsome II has the length (6-1, 190 pounds) and fluidity to line up on the boundary, and he's comfortable in both Cover 3 and press-man schemes -- an important trait for Robert Saleh's defense.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our San Francisco 49ers Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the San Francisco 49ers from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
Farley doesn't have to wait long to hear his name called as the Niners also have a need at corner. At 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, he has almost the same measurables and attributes as Surtain, which is why it is pretty much splitting hairs between the two. Many expect the Niners to be aggressive at the draft and try to move up to grab one of the top quarterbacks, but if they aren't able to do that, they at least are in a spot to take a top-tier CB.
With tackle Rashawn Slater and quarterback Mac Jones still on the board, this seemed like a good spot for the 49ers to trade back and perhaps take Paye later in the round. There were no takers in this exercise, however. After the 49ers signed Samson Ebukam in free agency, the need for a speed rusher -- like Azeez Ojulari -- is lessened. Paye is a bigger, stronger prospect who can rush from inside on obvious passing downs. He also could fill in if Nick Bosa (knee) is not quite 100 percent early in the season. -- Matt Barrows
I'm still not sold on Jimmy Garoppolo as coach Kyle Shanahan's top quarterback going forward, but do the 49ers want to give up the draft capital to trade up to get one of the top four guys? This is a team already without its own third-round pick because of the trade to acquire Trent Williams last year. (It does have a third-round compensatory pick, however.) My feeling is that San Francisco could instead stay put in Round 1 and address its biggest hole with one of the top cornerbacks. Farley is one of the best pure cover corners in this class. Here's a "wow" stat, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information: In 2019 (remember, he opted out of the 2020 season) Farley allowed a completion percentage of 24.4% when he was the targeted defender in coverage, which ranked No. 1 in the FBS. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Farley is having surgery on his back Tuesday, but as of now, I don't think the injury will affect his draft stock.
This is the first time in a long time we've had Zach Willson falling out of the No. 2 pick, but he doesn't stay on the board long; the 49ers trade up from No. 12 to get Wilson, who had an outstanding 2020 campaign and improved his draft stock from second-tier draft prospect to top-10 pick.
The 49ers give up a future first and some change to get their guy. The pick not only represents a possible upgrade over Jimmy Garoppolo, but it also clears $23.6 million in cap space from Jimmy G's contract that the 49ers could use after the Trent Williams deal.
