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The Falcons’ decision to part ways with Desmond Trufant and draft A.J. Terrell was met with mixed reviews. Whether they deserved it or not, the front office endured some definite side eye when they used the 16th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on Terrell. His detractors wondered aloud whether the pick was a “reach.” But in their defense, the Falcons desperately needed a CB1 after deciding to move on from Trufant in mid-March.
It takes time for prospects to develop and we won’t know what kind of value the Falcons really got in Terrell for another year or two, but he looks to be the real deal so far. With any luck, he’ll anchor the Falcons secondary for years to come.
It feels like Terrrell has played solid football all year, but he really arrived during the Falcons’ Week 6 win over the Vikings. Terrell nabbed his first career interception in that game, making an athletic play that showcased the skill set that got the Falcons’ attention in the lead up to the draft.
Pro Football Focus ratings aren’t everything, but Terrell is currently the best rated rookie corner back in the NFL. In short, Terrell is crushing his rookie season.
#Falcons PFF rookie position ranks through Week 10
— Evan Birchfield (@EvanBirchfield) November 16, 2020
• CB A.J. Terrell - 1st, 70.0
• DT Marlon Davidson - 9th, 57.4
• C (G) Matt Hennessy - 10th, 47.6
• LB Mykal Walker - 1st, 69.8
• S Jaylinn Hawkins - 14th, 51.4
• P Sterling Hofrichter - 3rd, 62.6
What’s particularly exciting is the fact that Terrell is not yet a finished product. If he continues on this trajectory, he can definitely fill that CB1 role for the Falcons. As the Falcons transition to a new regime, having players like Terrell already in place is a big step in the right direction.
Your thoughts about Terrell’s play through 9 games?