A.J. Terrell Overview
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6’-1”
Weight: 195 pounds
School: Clemson
NFL Combine Testing Data
40-Yard Dash: 4.42 seconds
Bench Press: 15 reps
Vertical Jump: 34.5”
Broad Jump: 129.0”
A.J. Terrell 2020 NFL Draft Profile
A.J. Terrell ended an otherwise great season on the lowest of notes. Facing off against LSU in the national title game, the Georgia native gave up five receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns to Joe Burrow and the mighty LSU passing attack. However, that shouldn’t overshadow what has been a solid season and a great collegiate career. Including that final game, Terrell finished the 2019 season allowing just 23 receptions on 44 targets for 392 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Terrell initially joined Clemson as a four-star recruit out of Georgia’s Westlake High School. Making an impact as a true freshman, Terrell played in 242 defensive snaps during the 2017 season, including 141 snaps in coverage. During his time on the field, Terrell allowed just six receptions on 17 targets for 79 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He built off that promising season by allowing just 31 receptions on 58 targets for 340 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions as a sophomore.
Strengths
- Strong in press coverage and close to the line of scrimmage;
- Has the speed to stay with quicker receivers over the top;
- Smooth, fluid footwork allows for clean cuts with minimal loss of speed;
- Tactically sound with hands, can often disrupt receivers from their routes;
- Smart zone defender capable of reading the quarterback and anticipating the throw;
Weaknesses
- Got roasted in the championship game against LSU;
- Can get out-muscled at the point of attack in contested catch situations;
- Rarely had to face top competition and could struggle to adjust to NFL receivers;
- Doesn’t trust his instincts in off coverage and gets beat by double moves;
- Below-average run defender;
- Mostly lines up wide and not in the slot;
- Frame could use more muscle.
NFL Comparison: Kyle Fuller
Teams With Need at Position: Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
Projection: Late first/early second
Bottom Line on A.J. Terrell
A.J. Terrell isn’t going to be a superstar, but he has the skills to start for quite some time in the NFL. The Clemson product has ideal height and length for the position but managed to move like a 5’-10” corner. He’s not afraid to play press coverage and has the instincts to make plays on the ball in zone. His footwork and hand placement are ideal, making him sticky in tight man coverage while he has the speed to keep up with just about any receiver down the deep part of the field.
The biggest concern with Terrell is his work in off-coverage. Terrell tends to overpursue his man when playing off, which makes his susceptible to double moves. Additionally, he hasn’t faced off against too many elite receivers and got roasted against Joe Burrow in the national championship game. If you’re really looking to cherry-pick, he’s not a great run defender and could probably use some more muscle.
Ultimately, there is a lot more good than bad when it comes to A.J. Terrell. He should be able to step in and serve a rotational role as a rookie and develop into a full-time starter in Year 2 once he gains some experience and adds on some muscle.
Main photo:
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