Atlanta Falcons Take Clemson CB AJ Terrell with the 16th Overall Pick

In a nice surprise, Atlanta native AJ Terrell is returning home as the Falcons drafted him in the first round with the sixteenth pick. While early on there was speculation about the Falcons trading up for Isaiah Simmons, the Dirty Birds addressed another need by picking a Tiger. Cornerback was certainly an issue of need that the Falcons sewed up with Terrell.

The pick brought mixed reviews from a fanbase that is skeptical about it’s draft. Terrell was a surprise because he was rated by many publications as falling between late first round and early third round. There wasn’t much chatter about him being a target for the Falcons. Our Atlanta sister site, The Falcoholic, has this write up about him.

The Falcons have had some interesting draft decisions over the past years, and this one certainly wasn’t expected. As a Falcons fan, I can understand that those who haven’t followed his career as closely may he skeptical, but once they see him in action I think they’ll warm up to him quickly.

While most Tiger fans aren’t shocked to see a team have faith in AJ, it is a bit surprising that he was taken before Tee Higgins. Huge moment for AJ and we know he will do his home town proud.