2021: Defensive Backs

This position group is firm confirmation that I’m into the second generation of my NFL fandom. Patrick Surtain senior joined Sam Madison as a premier CB duo in South Beach in the early 2000’s. Joe Horn was a high achieving receiver for multiple teams and now both of their sons will be first round defensive backs in the 2021 Draft. Also, when did cornerbacks become taller than wide receivers?

Jaycee Horn-CB-South Carolina-6’1”-205-Top 20-96

Great size for the position with lateral movement to boot. Jaycee is the son of former NFL receiver Joe Horn and plays with his Dad’s attitude. He’s got a very high ceiling, think Aqib Talib. Horn should be the top defensive back off the board and will fit in either a cover 3 or press man scheme. I have him below some of the twitchiest defensive backs in recent years, but he deserves top 15 consideration.

Patrick Surtain Jr.-CB-Alabama-6’2-208-Top 20-92

This junior has outstanding size and technique for a modern day cornerback. Some people think he will play safety at the next level instead of the press LCB position he perfected in Tuscaloosa. Surtain has a high ceiling as a well-coached, talented player. But his lack of change of direction skill makes him a Cover 2 corner for me, and that moves him to the end of round 1.

Trevon Moehrig-S-TCU-6’1”201-1st Round-89

It’s going to be an exercise in self-restraint for Bill Belichick to not select this player at his first possible chance. Moehrig comes out of Gary Patterson’s pro-ready defense that shares many coverage similarities to what the Patriots run. Trevon excelled in this system proving himself to be a 3 level impact player from the safety spot. His coverage traits are not on full display and could prove to be high level in the NFL, but for now he slots in at the start of round 2 for me with hints of Eric Berry potential.

Caleb Farley-CB-Va. Tech-6’2”-197-1st Round-88

I usually make excuses for small corners and how staying on a receiver’s hip reduces the throwing window to inches instead of the yards of separation with bigger clumsier corners. Farley, on paper, appears to have both traits, which typically moves prospects into the top 10. At 6’2” and an alleged 4.28 hand timed 40, Caleb seems to have it all. The trouble lies in his lower level playing strength that inhibits his press ability. Also, he lacks the lateral agility that would make him a universal coverage man at the next level. But he can do 3 of 5 defensive back jobs with excellent aptitude and someone will value that in the first round.