What did NFL experts say about Falcons drafting A.J. Terrell in 2020?
If you don't remember much about the 2020 NFL draft, that's probably because it was a virtual event held during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, one thing that Falcons fans probably remember is the negative perception around the team's selection of cornerback A.J. Terrell in the first round.
Despite an impressive collegiate career at Clemson, Terrell was harshly criticized for his performance in the 2020 National Championship game against LSU. Future NFL star Ja'Marr Chase had nine catches for 221 receiving yards and two touchdowns for the Tigers, with Terrell receiving much of the blame.
The Falcons have no regrets about drafting Terrell, though. On Thursday, the 25-year-old signed a four-year, $81 million extension to stay in Atlanta through 2028. Just for fun, let's look back at what NFL draft analysts said about the Terrell pick in 2020:
ESPN
"The Falcons reached for a need, plain and simple. He was way too inconsistent throughout the season, and he didn't play well down the stretch. He has a tendency to get grabby." -- ESPN's Mel Kiper
CBS Sports
"I know they needed a corner, but did they force the pick on A.J. Terrell a bit? I might have taken a different corner there, but it definitely fills a need." -- CBS Sports' Pete Prisco
Draft Wire
"The first big reach of the first round, Atlanta wanted a corner badly, but they passed up a handful of prospects far more worthy of being selected in the top half of the first round." -- Draft Wire's Luke Easterling
Walter Football
"The Falcons needed to trade up to make a splash in an attempt to keep up with the Buccaneers and Saints. Getting a player like Javon Kinlaw would’ve been a nice piece to help them defend Tom Brady and Drew Brees. Terrell will help, but he won’t be as impactful." -- WalterFootball.com
SI
"A.J. Terrell fits the long-bodied, rangy athletic profile of a cornerback in Dan Quinn’s Seahawks-style Cover 3 scheme," SI's Andy Benoit wrote. "He changes directions soundly and can win through physicality or finesse." The Falcons were given a "B+" for their 2020 draft class.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: What did NFL experts say about Falcons drafting A.J. Terrell in 2020?
