​Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell often flies under the radar outside of Atlanta, despite a résumé that reflects a rapid rise to prominence. A former first-round pick, Terrell stepped into a starting role as a rookie and has never looked back. Through his first six NFL seasons, he has logged 61 passes defended, six interceptions and 381 total tackles across 93 starts, establishing himself as a steady force in Atlanta’s secondary.
Recent ESPN polling of NFL personnel, however, did not place Terrell among the league’s top 10 cornerbacks, though he did receive honorable mention consideration. This omission drew some pushback from fans and analysts who felt Terrell deserved a higher spot on the list. Bleacher Report highlighted this sentiment, pointing to Terrell as one of the most notable snubs in the ESPN poll. Paul Kasabian of B/R wrote that there is “some fantastic cornerback talent” among the honorable mentions and emphasized Terrell’s consistency since arriving in the league in 2020. He noted that a perceived deficiency in interceptions—six over six seasons—appeared to be a sticking point for those who left him out of the top tier.
Kasabian defended Terrell’s value by explaining that there are many ways to be effective at cornerback. While interceptions can be a flashy stat, they do not tell the whole story of a player’s impact. Terrell excels in coverage, and his ability to shut down receivers and minimize big-play opportunities has made him a reliable asset for Atlanta. As Terrell’s reputation grew, quarterbacks began to avoid targeting him, recognizing the high risk of testing him on a given play. A defensive coach told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that Terrell “has been really good for a long time. He just can’t get the ball,” underscoring how a cornerback’s influence can extend beyond interceptions.
The Falcons, of course, benefit from a secondary capable of creating takeaway opportunities in other ways. Safety Jessie Bates has amassed 27 career interceptions and recorded 13 interceptions over the last three seasons in Atlanta. Additionally, Xavier Watts impressed as a rookie by leading all first-year players with five interceptions last season, adding depth and playmaking flair to the unit.
Looking ahead, Terrell will have an opportunity to pass along some of his NFL knowledge to the next generation in Atlanta. The Falcons used a second-round pick to select his younger brother, Avieon Terrell, in the 2026 NFL Draft. The rookie is expected to compete for a starting spot this season, which could add another dynamic element to the Falcons’ defensive backfield and provide an intriguing storyline as Terrell mentors his sibling while continuing to perform at a high level.
This piece originally appeared on Falcons Wire, which highlighted ESPN’s poll and Terrell’s status as a notable snub, while also exploring how Terrell’s value might be perceived differently beyond traditional statistics.