Jets can solidify CB position by selecting A.J. Terrell in 2nd round

Standout Clemson Tigers defensive back A.J. Terrell may be just what the New York Jets need to develop their secondary and improve against the pass.

The days of New York Jets ball-hawking corners patrolling the field and locking down multiple receivers on every play feels like it was so long ago. Now they are very fond memories of days gone by. The downturn is starting to come back up, however.

Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams brought out the most from what he was given last year at the cornerback position, and the secondary started to perform down the stretch. It’s only natural that Jets fans can’t help but think what a Williams defense with strong cornerback play would look like.

The Jets jettisoned last year’s disappointing cornerback duo of Trumaine Johnson and Darryl Roberts. They recently re-signed Brian Poole, who was the only cornerback on the team worth anything in 2019. They also added free agent Pierre Desir. Unfortunately, Desir earned a grade of 58.8 from Pro Football Focus, which puts the former Indianapolis Cols corner in the replaceable category.

If Gang Green can hit on a solid corner in the upcoming draft, this secondary would have more than enough depth to be a formidable force. However, the New York Jets have other areas to focus on other than just cornerback. Also, it’s not even worth dreaming of Ohio State’s Jeffrey Okudah falling to the Jets at 11.  He’s the best cornerback entering the league since Patrick Peterson in 2011 and will be long gone by then.

As for day two, A.J. Terrell may be the value cornerback pick that teams with higher draft positions are always looking for in the second round. The former Clemson Tigers cover man is highly skilled.

At 6-1,190 pounds, Terrell is a tall and long corner which he uses to his advantage. He has noticeably good vision on the quarterback and is a rather scheme-less player.

Terrell’s a tough corner to beat at the line of scrimmage because he’s not afraid to be physical early in plays, and literally does not give an inch. This is not a soft coverage player. Terrell affords his opponent very little space at the snap. If he does happen to get beat, his outstanding 4.42 speed gets him back in the play.

A beast in press coverage, Terrell isn’t afraid to stay close to his man as the play develops and can defend quick routes, as well. Everybody’s intrigued by a young corner who wants to take on man coverage consistently. Terrell plays like the type of defensive back who asks for the opponent’s top receiver all game long.

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He does have deficiencies, otherwise, the corner would be a sure-fire first-day pick. Terrell doesn’t do well jumping for 50/50 balls, so tall, athletic receivers could give him trouble. Additionally, his run support could be much better. He often pursues like he wants to make an arm tackle. Unless Terrell becomes the next Deion Sanders, that has to improve.

It’s not often that teams can find a rookie second-round pick who could hold down the number one option on opposing offenses. However, Terrell should at least have a shot to be a key contributor on a well-coached defense next year if the New York Jets take him in April. By the end of the season, it’s easy to see him earning William’s confidence.

Terrell has many favorable traits that are rare for players in this age and his upside is very interesting.

Do you think the Jets should invest their second-round pick in A.J. Terrell? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.