OSU vs. Clemson: 5 2020 NFL Draft prospects to watch in Fiesta Bowl
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AJ Terrell CB
On this big stage is where Clemson Cornerback AJ Terrell finally makes his rise up draft boards. Going under the radar in a loaded class of corners, Terrell has all the tools in the world to be a top 15 pick and the second cornerback of the board. Saturday night will be his chance to show his skills with everyone in the football world watching. 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 catchpoint.
Terrell is coming out to prove a point on the biggest stage for those who have slept on him all season long. He has watched cornerbacks with his measurables yet nowhere near his skill level be ranked above him all draft season long. Slowing down Ohio State’s high powered offense starts with closing throwing windows for Justin Fields and AJ Terrell is ready shut down his side of the field all night long.