Falcons rookie A.J. Terrell was the third cornerback selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, but he could easily be under the most pressure this season.
The team released former No. 1 CB Desmond Trufant, leaving some uncertainty as to who Atlanta’s starters will be. Kendall Sheffield, Isaiah Oliver and Terrell will each be in the mix, along with veteran Darqueze Dennard.
Talking with reporters on Friday, Quinn said he was impressed with the competitive fire of the Falcons’ first-round pick and that he felt Terrell could physically step in right away.
Dan Quinn on A.J. Terrell: The trait that just comes across is the competitive fire. The will, the dedication. #Falcons
— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) August 7, 2020
Dan Quinn said AJ Terrell is physically ready to step in immediately pic.twitter.com/wtGaVbQBYY
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 7, 2020
Coordinator Raheem Morris is already impressed with how mentally sharp rookie CB A.J. Terrell has been in picking up the defense. Dan Quinn just said Terrell is physically ready to step in and contribute. Sounds like the stage is set for Terrell to be right in the starting mix
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 7, 2020
As for Dennard, the Falcons love his versatility. However, Quinn wouldn’t say whether they intend to start him outside or in the slot, indicating he needed a few weeks to see where Dennard will play.
#Falcons HC Dan Quinn on Darqueze Dennard: He's got experience outside and inside. He's played nickel. He's made his living playing outside.
Said they'll need a few weeks to figure out where he wants to feature him.
— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) August 7, 2020
The benefit to a veteran addition like Dennard is that he takes some pressure off of Terrell, Sheffield and Oliver by letting them play where they fit best early on. It will be interesting to see how defensive coordinator Raheem Morris handles this situation at corner with a full offseason to make his mark on the defense.
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