The Houston Texans spent a second-round pick on cornerback Lonnie Johnson in the 2019 NFL draft, but they could still stand to get younger at the position.
Clemson cornerback A.J. Terrell announced Friday his intention to to declare for the 2020 NFL draft. If the former CFP National Champion enters the draft, he could be a prospect the Texans target as they look to get younger and more talented in the secondary.
The Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling projects Terrell to stick around for Day 2 at the latest, which is where the Texans will first have a chance to grab him in the second round.
Coming off yet another trip to the College Football Playoff and the National Championship Game, Terrell helped lead one of the nation’s most talented defenses. His combination of size, length and athleticism should make him one of the first players off the board at his position. Terrell should come off the board on Day 2, at the latest, when draft weekend rolls around.
Two of the Texans’ biggest playmakers are products of Dabo Swinney’s coaching in receiver DeAndre Hopkins and quarterback Deshaun Watson. Defensive tackle D.J. Reader, a Pro Bowl alternate who has routinely been praised by coach Bill O’Brien and defensive end J.J. Watt alike, was also a standout at Clemson. Throw in defensive end Carlos Watkins, and it is safe to say that Clemson produces the right kind of guys that the Texans look for.
Terrell earned first-team ACC honors as a junior in 2019 as he collected 34 tackles, two interceptions, and three pass breakups in 14 games. The Texans currently have starter Johnathan Joseph about to enter his 15th season and at age 36 years old and also have Bradley Roby out of contract as they signed him to a one-year prove-it deal in 2019 free agency.
Adding Terrell, at 6-1, 190 pounds, would give the Texans better physicality at the position, much like what they have in Johnson, who is 6-3, along with youth.