NFL analyst lists Falcons CB among biggest snubs in ESPN poll

Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell rarely gets the respect he deserves outside of Atlanta.

The former first-round pick jumped right into a starting role as a rookie and never looked back. Over his first six NFL seasons, Terrell has recorded 61 passes defended, six interceptions and 381 total tackles in 93 starts. ESPN's recent poll of NFL personnel did not include Terrell among the top 10 cornerbacks in the league, however, Terrell was included in the honorable mentions section.

Bleacher Report took exception with a few of the players left off of ESPN's poll, highlighting Terrell among biggest snubs. "There's some fantastic cornerback talent in the honorable mention section," wrote B/R's Paul Kasabian. "Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.

J. Terrell Jr. has been one of the better players at his position since arriving in the league in 2020.

The knock on him here appeared to be a lack of interceptions (six over his six years)."The thing about playing cornerback in the NFL is that there are many different ways to be effective. Some of the biggest playmakers at the position are often liabilities in coverage due to the risks they take.

Terrell is very good in coverage, despite his low interception totals over the years.Once cornerbacks have established themselves as elite, as Terrell has, quarterbacks tend to throw elsewhere. After all, it's not very smart to throw at the opposing team's top corner.

"He's been really good for a long time. He just can't get the ball," a defensive coach told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.Fortunately for the Falcons, they have a few other guys who can take the ball away in their defensive secondary.

Safety Jessie Bates has recorded 27 interceptions over his career, including 13 total over the last three seasons in Atlanta. Plus, Xavier Watts led all rookies with five interceptions last season. Terrell will look to pass on his NFL wisdom to his younger brother, Avieon Terrell, this season.

The Falcons selected the younger Terrell in the second round of the 202