Bengals: 3 William Jackson replacements in 2021 NFL Draft

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) and Cincinnati Bengals cornerback William Jackson (22) reach for a pass on fourth down before a flag is thrown for defensive pass interference, extending the Steelers drive and leading to a touchdown on the next play, in the fourth quarter of the NFL 15 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020. The Bengals beat the Steelers, 27-17, on Monday Night Football.Pittsburgh Steelers At Cincinnati Bengals /

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Bengals target Caleb Farley. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

1. Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech

Now, this pick might be made, but it would mean that Penei Sewell is off the board. A trade down could be possible to make this pick, but a trade down too far would be risky if they really want to draft Farley. Caleb Farley is the best cornerback in this class and is worth a top-10 pick. This is a day one starter as an outside cornerback.

He is a phenomenal athlete and already shows phenomenal ability in man coverage. What makes Farley so special is how much better he can get and in such a short period of time. Farley has only been playing cornerback for two years, and his tape is already among the best in college football. Obviously, development is not linear, but if his jump to the NFL looks anything like his first two years at corner, Farley is going to be a special player in the NFL.

If the Cincinnati Bengals miss out on Penei Sewell, Caleb Farley is not a bad consolation prize at all. Caleb Farley can step into the role that was vacated by Williams Jackson III and there is a good chance there is minimal turnover. Farley is a stud and will be an impactful starter for a long time.

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