According to Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area, the San Francisco 49ers have met virtually multiple times with former Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley. Of course, his chances of being drafted by the Bay Area team dropped significantly on Friday, when the 49ers traded up to the No. 3 overall pick. They are expected to select a quarterback at their new slot.
Until then, it looks like San Francisco was doing its homework on Farley, in case a trade did not take place. The defensive back was a popular pick among mock drafts when the 49ers were at the No. 12 spot in the first round.
Farley said that he models his game after several NFL defensive backs, including former 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman.
"I think that Richard Sherman is a GOAT in the game," Farley said via Chan. "A wide receiver transferred to a cornerback, and having the football IQ he has to give himself the ability to make plays. I think that's why he is so successful, because of how smart he is. I am a huge fan of Richard Sherman."
Farley (6-2, 207) recorded 20 tackles, four interceptions, a touchdown, and 12 passes defensed through 10 games as a sophomore in 2019, per Sports Reference, earning first-team All-ACC honors. He opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, leaving evaluators with only 23 career collegiate games to review.
Farley dealt with back issues in 2019, which he said have been resolved. He recently underwent an outpatient microdiscectomy procedure performed by Dr. Robert Watkins, which has been described as fairly minor.
It is unknown how undergoing a procedure this close to the draft will impact his stock.
NFL teams are allowed to conduct up to five video calls per prospect leading to the draft, and each call can last up to one hour. There is no limit to how many phone conversations NFL teams can conduct with draft-eligible players.