A.J. Terrell, the standout cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons, has received a rather critical assessment from Pro Football Focus, ranking him outside the top 20 heading into the 2025 NFL season. Despite being a former first-round pick and earning a lucrative contract extension last offseason worth $81 million, Terrell's performance in 2024 was somewhat underwhelming. He started all 17 games, securing only two interceptions and allowing 45 receptions on 67 targets. The inconsistency of the Falcons' defense, coupled with a struggling pass rush, contributed to his less-than-stellar season.

With the coaching transition to Jeff Ulbrich, who previously guided Terrell in his rookie year, hopes are high for a bounce-back performance. His past accolades, including a remarkable 2021 season where he earned an 85.6 PFF coverage grade, hint at his potential. However, Terrell must replicate that success to regain his status among the elite cornerbacks in the league.