2020 NFL Draft: Grades for all 32 first-round picks
44. Pick Analysis. A.J. Terrell. player. Scouting Report. Cornerback. Clemson. 16
Grade: B-
I’m sorry, but this was too early for A.J. Terrell. While the Atlanta Falcons obviously wanted to upgrade the secondary after Desmond Trufant’s departure, reaching for a player like Terrell wasn’t the way to go.
With that said, the Falcons certainly could have done worse at No. 16 overall. While I don’t think Terrell will ever be a lockdown cornerback, he offers the size, length and coverage skills that Dan Quinn looks for.
He isn’t a top-tier cover guy, but he gives them an immediate starter who can develop into a reliable option outside.
For much of his college career, Terrell was an impressive specimen who gave opposing wide receivers fits. If you ignore the 2019 National Championship, he has the look of a sure-fire Pro Bowler.
I don’t know if he’ll ever get to that point, but the Falcons are confident he can get the job done in the NFL.