NFL Draft 2020: Best pick from each team in the NFC South

Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

Round One, 16th Overall

This was by far the toughest one to select, which isn’t really a good thing. Many believe the Falcons made three solid selections to start off the 2020 NFL Draft, but it’s difficult to project who will be the best. Auburn defensive lineman Marlon Davidson is an intriguing fit in Dan Quinn’s defense, and he could see reps at both three and five-technique.

But here, we’re going with Atlanta’s first-round pick, Clemson’s A.J. Terrell. The Terrell pick wasn’t received well by Falcons fans, as many believed there were better options on the board, even at the corner position (this writer agrees, see Jeff Gladney). However, part of the draft comes with projection, and that’s exactly what you see in this selection.

Everyone will remember Terrell’s struggles in the National Championship game against LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, but that’s a tough assignment for anyone, as Chase is projected as a top 10 player in next year’s class.

Terrell provides plenty of upside at the corner position. His change of direction skills and fluid hips will help him succeed in man coverage, and he’s good at clicking and closing when playing off coverage. There will be instances where Terell bites on double moves though, and while there will be some growing pains (which is expected for playing arguably the toughest position nowadays), Terrell has sky-high potential.