So there I was last Tuesday night, scrolling through fantasy football mock drafts while microwaving some questionable leftovers. Spot Caleb Farley’s name circled in red on my messy draft board and think, “Man, this dude’s getting hyped everywhere but how much of it actually matters for us fantasy nuts?” Figured I’d strap in and really dig this time.
Starting the Tape Grind
Grabbed my laptop and pulled up his college highlights first. Watched every snap twice – once for vibes, once for notes. Saw him jump routes like a dang kangaroo on that Clemson tape. Arm length? Crazy. Closed gaps so fast my coffee went cold just watching. Scribbled down “elite burst” on a sticky note like it meant something.
The Medical Rabbit Hole
Next stop – injury stuff. Everyone whispers about his back surgery. Found old team docs talking about the microdiscectomy. Googled what that even was (sounds like sci-fi tech). Dug into rehab timelines, talked to my cousin’s PT friend, who just sighed and said “backs are voodoo.” Jotted in all caps: HIGH RISK STAMP HERE.
Combine Numbers vs. Eye Test
Flipped through combine stats next. His 40 time? Sweet. Vertical? Sweet. But numbers felt… cold. Remembered that game against Louisville where receivers cooked him on double moves. Rewound it six times yelling “DON’T BITE, MAN!” at the screen. My cat looked concerned.
Talking to Sources
Shot texts to three league mates who obsess over corners:
- “HOF ceiling if healthy” – Dave (who still starts Taysom Hill)
- “Draft day flier ONLY” – Marta (trades draft picks for nachos)
- “Avoid like my ex” – Rob (makes waiver moves drunk)
All caps lock responses. Typical.
Putting it Together
Spilled highlight notes everywhere – sticky disaster zone. Saw patterns:
- Pure athletic unicorn when healthy
- Gets grabby when beat vertically
- Medical folder thicker than my fantasy league bylaws
Realized real-world NFL doesn’t care about my fantasy team but whatever.
Final Fantasy Take
Kicked back midnight. Thought: In dynasty? Maybe round 3 dart throw if you love pain. Redraft? Only if your IDP league counts PBUs as 10 points. Bottom line: Caleb’s tape screams Pro Bowl talent but feels like betting on Jenga. My draft board’s got him circled with question marks bigger than the logo now.
