2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report
A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson Tigers
Positives
Athletic cornerback with a high upside. Physical, battles receivers and works hard to defend throws. Displays good awareness, knows where his opponent is on the field, and effectively covers receivers on crossing patterns.
Displays a nice move to the throw and an explosive burst out of his plant and quickly closes to the action. Keeps the action in front of him, stays on the receiver’s hip out of breaks and effectively tracks the pass when he faces the action.
Negatives
Tends to squat in his backpedal, which does not make for quick or smooth movements in reverse. Struggles to make plays with his back to the ball and cannot locate the pass in the air. Hits more than he wraps up tackling at times. Must polish his game.
Analysis
Terrell has flashed dominance the past two seasons, but he also displayed a lot of inconsistency and was beaten badly in big moments. He possesses solid size and speed, but he must improve his techniques and learn to make plays with his back to the ball. While I like Terrell, I also feel he must play in a zone system or backed off the line of scrimmage.