Falcons Draft Profile: Breaking down A.J. Terrell as a cover corner

Atlanta selected cornerback A.J. Terrell in the first round to be that cover corner the team lost when it cut Desmond Trufant back in March.

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Atlanta selected cornerback A.J. Terrell in the first round to be that cover corner the team lost when it cut Desmond Trufant back in March. The Falcons’ decision to take Terrell makes a lot of sense when you consider that the roster at cornerback was conducive for the team selecting a first-round pick. Terrell should come in expecting to be a day-one starter.

Combine/Pro Day Measurables

Terrell is one of the better athletes at cornerback that the Falcons could have taken. His poor agility grade by Kent doesn’t mean that he’s going to have issues with that in the NFL. Atlanta’s scheme calls for a lot of vertical drops from its cornerbacks. Terrell’s athleticism is a good fit for what Atlanta likes to do. Especially his raw 4.42 speed.

Stats

2019: 15 Games Played, 34 Tackles, 0.5 Tackles for Loss, 0.5 Sacks, 2 QB Hurries, 2 Interceptions, 4 Passes Deflected

2018: 15 Games Played, 54 Tackles, 2 Tackles for Loss, 3 Interceptions, 2 Fumbles Forced, 3 Passes Deflection, 1 Defensive Touchdown

2017: 14 Games Played, 15 Tackles, 1 Tackle for Loss, 1 Interception, 7 Passes Deflected

Terrell wasn’t super productive as a college player when it comes to interceptions or pass deflections. His best trait is that he can shut down a guy and not get targeted, which doesn’t grab as many headlines. Terrell’s modest tackle totals shouldn’t be too concerning. But the Falcons will need some more play-making from him in the NFL.

Highlights

How does he fit on the field

The Falcons could slot him in right away as a left cornerback in base and nickel packages. He instantly replaces exactly what Desmond Trufant did for the team functionally. Terrell is going to have to build on his current tackling and run defense, but the Falcons do have someone who will come right in and know how to cover wide receivers.

They’re going to need it too. Atlanta’s schedule in 2020 has a ton of great wide receivers on it already, and that’s not going to change, barring injury. Terrell will have to take his lumps in practice against Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley and learn his lessons there so that the team doesn’t have to worry about him come game-time.

How does he fit the Comrade Filter?

While he wasn’t a captain on a team that won a national championship his sophomore year, Terrell was someone who contributed heavily to that effort. He’s a hard-working player both on and off the field and keeps his nose out of trouble. He’s also from the Atlanta area and brings another home-grown talent back to the city as he begins his pro career.

How does he fit into the long term plans for the Falcons?

The long-term and short-term plans for Terrell are the same. He’s going to come right in and start at left cornerback until he gets beat out for the job, gets too expensive or the Falcons feel he can’t do it. This is a bit of a risky pick because the value didn’t seem to be there, as he seemed to be a second-round talent. But the vision is clear for him. Start now. Start for the next half-decade.

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