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So here is what I say every year, grading a draft the day after it happens is silly. Unless the player is Isaiah Wilson, it is impossible to grade a pick before you have seen 2-3 years from him in the NFL. With that being said, we look at these things every year and cheer if they liked the Titans' pick or boo if they didn’t.
The Caleb Farley pick, in particular, seems to be a tough one to grade. Most people agree that he can play. The issue is whether or not his health will hold up (in case you haven’t already heard). Here’s to hoping he is at least ready to go when the Titans open camp. I’m not sure I can take another summer with reporters asking Mike Vrabel about a player’s health and Vrabel giving them less than nothing. Just once I want the first round pick ready to go when camp starts and healthy throughout. Is that too much to ask?
Enough of that. Let’s take a look at some grades on last night’s pick:
After letting former first-round pick Adoree Jackson leave town, it was clear Tennessee would be looking for help in the secondary. The Titans found a potential star in Farley still on the board at No. 22. Farley is a gamble, as he has already undergone three surgeries, including for a torn ACL on a non-contact injury early in his college career. His traits, however, are special, and he plays with the intensity to fit right in with coach Mike Vrabel. While some will criticize the Titans for not taking a receiver here, the depth at that position is outstanding, and there aren’t many corners with Farley’s physical gifts.
This is a boom-or-bust pick. If he’s healthy, this is a great pick. But injury concerns are real.
Ryan Fowler The Draft Network: B-
Despite major injury concerns surrounding Caleb Farley, the Tennessee Titans are willing to bite the bullet here for a prospect who recently converted to the defensive side of the ball. Farley is an outstanding prospect who could slide in and fill the role Adoree’ Jackson left.
Vinnie Iyer The Sporting News: B+
The Titans stopped Farley’s fall because of injury concerns, knowing he has the size and smooth coverage skills to develop into a shutdown player who can also make big plays when needed. The Titans could have also considered offensive tackle or edge rusher, but this was a good choice to bring into their defense along with Janoris Jenkins and Kristian Fulton. The value boosts the decision to address this position first.
Tennessee found a top-12 talent available at No. 22, so it made the selection, despite Farley’s previous back and knee injuries. The Titans have a big need at the position, and his size, length and smooth athleticism are fun to watch. At some point in every draft, teams must decide how much medical risk to take with their early selections. His upside as a playmaker makes him worthy of this selection.