2020 NFL Draft Big Board: Ranking the Top 10 Cornerbacks

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A.J. Terrell 8

Scouting Report

AJ Terrell was the best cornerback on Clemson’s National Championship team last year despite playing with Oakland Raiders second round pick Trayvon Mullen. Terrell is listed at 6-1 but watching him makes you wonder if he might be every bit of 6-2. His game is surprisingly polished for his size as a guy who shows very good and natural athletic ability.

He is incredibly aggressive in his click and close which is the best part of his game. Terrell comes downhill from off-coverage with an explosive burst out of his breaks. He consistently makes smooth transitions due to very good hip flexibility without losing speed. He plays low with good knee bend which allows him to tap into that natural athleticism to drive on routes and stay in the hip pockets of receivers.

He closes space at the line of scrimmage with beautiful press-man technique that is patient and controlled. Understands when to stab to disrupt timing while staying square then closing the space and pinning receivers to the sideline once they commit vertically. Loose hips and wingspan allow for him to stab and redirect in press coverage without stumbling or losing his receiver.

Good ball skills due to his awareness of when to time his swats and jumps, consistently uses his length to disrupt at the catch point. There is a lot to like about his game that makes him an easy projection because he provides scheme versatility.

AJ Terrell is a first-round lock who possesses the ability to move into the CB2 spot of the rankings as a guy who can project as either a very good press-man cornerback or a very good zone corner in today’s heavy Cover 3 scheme NFL.