The best unit on the Atlanta Falcons’ roster going into the 2026 season is their secondary and the cornerstone of that unit is cornerback A.J. Terrell.
While Terrell has never been named to an NFC Pro Bowl team, he has nevertheless been performing at a relatively high level ever since Atlanta picked him in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson. In 93 career games, Terrell has totaled six interceptions, 61 pass breakups, 14 tackles for a loss and six forced fumbles.
Terrell did not make the cut in ESPN’s annual ranking of the top 10 cornerbacks in the league, according to a poll of anonymous NFL executives. However, he did at least earn an honorable mention this year.
“He’s been really good for a long time. He just can’t get the ball [with six interceptions in six NFL seasons].”
Interceptions may get all the attention, but there’s a lot more to playing cornerback than just getting picks. Terrell has become one of the game’s most-underrated cover corners and is only getting better with time. Last season he allowed a 53.1% completion rate and an 87.8 passer rating, his best numbers since his second season with the Falcons.
One of the biggest storylines to watch this season for Atlanta is how Terrell gets paired with his younger brother Avieon Terrell, who the Falcons drafted in the second round. He is expected to compete for the other boundary spot opposite A.J., currently held by Mike Hughes – who is the only weak link in an otherwise flawless defensive backfield. If Avieon proves to be an upgrade in coverage there won’t be any easy pickings for opposing quarterbacks.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons cornerback earns honorable mention in ESPN rankings
