The Falcons have something every NFL team wants — a lockdown corner. A.J. Terrell blossomed in his second season in the NFL and first under Dean Pees. He went from an average cover man to being named second-team All-Pro in just one offseason. It’s truly remarkable, and his peers around the league have taken notice.
ESPN polled NFL executives, coaches, and scouts on the top ten players at each position, and the former Clemson Tiger came in ranked ninth.
- Jalen Ramsey – Los Angeles Rams
- Marshon Lattimore – New Orleans Saints
- Jaire Alexander – Green Bay Packers
- Xavien Howard – Miami Dolphins
- J.C. Jackson – Los Angeles Chargers
- Denzel Ward – Cleveland Browns
- Patrick Surtain II – Denver Broncos
- Marlon Humphrey – Baltimore Ravens
- A.J. Terrell – Atlanta Falcons
- Trevon Diggs – Dallas Cowboys
Ninth place might not sit well with some Falcons fans, who have a point, to a certain extent. Terrell was named one of the four best corners in football last season, so there’s an argument that he should be higher than Denzel Ward and Patrick Surtain II, at least. But at this point in his career, he’s not better than the top five.
Ramsey is the best corner in football and has been for a while. Jaire Alexander didn’t play last year, so people might be quick to forget how special he is. Falcons fans might not want to accept it, but Lattimore is elite. At the same time, Xavien Howard and J.C. Jackson are both former first-team All-Pros.
The latter half of the top ten is arguable at nearly every point, so Atlanta will say Terrell is #6, while Ravens fans will say Marlon Humphrey should be there. And you know Cowboys fans are up in arms about Diggs coming in at #10. It’s still an honor, either way, to be recognized by your peers as one of the best ten players at your position.
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Photographer: David John Griffin/Icon Sportswire
For more on the Atlanta Falcons roster please click here.
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