Philadelphia Eagles draft: 4 Prospects to avoid with 12th selection

The Philadelphia Eagles should stay away from Caleb Farley at pick 12. Period.

A common dilemma that general managers face is whether they should draft prospects based on potential or based on proven production. Howie Roseman opted to select Jalen Reagor over Justin Jefferson last year even though Jefferson had a much more successful college career. Selecting based on potential didn’t fare well for the Birds in the 2020 draft.

Caleb Farley has an incredibly high ceiling. Whether or not he can reach it is up for debate. If he does, he has the words Pro Bowl potential written all over him. He has elite speed, great height, and is a tremendous overall athlete. So, why is he listed as a prospect to stay away from?

As high as his ceiling is, his floor is even lower. For one, Caleb Farley hasn’t had much experience at the cornerback position. He originally went to Virginia Tech as a wide receiver but was switched to the cornerback position after tearing his ACL during his first year.

The Virginia Tech product impressed as a cornerback in the 2018 season and had a quality 2019 campaign before it was cut short due to a back injury. With his decision to opt out of the 2020 season, scouts are concerned that he simply hasn’t played the cornerback position long enough.

What’s worse is his injury concerns. Farley tore his ACL in 2017, suffered back spasms throughout the entire 2019 season, and has had two procedures on his back in a matter of two years. For an Eagles team that has struggled to stay healthy these past few years, Farley’s injury concerns should be a major red flag.

The ACC product was in the discussion for being the best cornerback in this draft, but his stock has recently fallen and he is now projected to be the third cornerback taken. If Farley falls to the second round, the Eagles should give him a look, but he’s too risky of a prospect to take at pick 12.