A.J. Terrell was one of the bright spots in Atlanta's defense last season. Terrell, the Falcons' first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, arrived with high expectations and more than lived up to them.
After a tremendous career at Clemson and starting in the College Football Playoff National Championship game against LSU, Terrell was ready for the role he was about to take on with the Falcons. The 22-year-old is wise beyond his age and was thrown into a starting job right away at the left cornerback spot.
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Had it not been for the two games he missed while being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Terrell would have likely started every game in his rookie season. Terrell started 14 games and recorded 74 tackles, seven pass deflections, three forced fumbles and one interception.
The former Clemson Tiger's next challenge in his professional career will be learning a new defensive scheme. Falcons head coach Arthur Smith hired veteran defensive coordinator Dean Pees to run his defense. Pees' scheme will allow players like Terrell to be very active from all over the field in hopes to keep opponents guessing.
"Dean Pees is a well experienced coach," Terrell said on Wednesday. "Definitely look forward to this season with him and all of the things he is going to bring to the defense and to the team. I really like where we are at so far… just can't wait to learn more."
Pees is known for the pressure packages he creates. He's also had success installing his defense everywhere he's been. The veteran defensive coordinator has had stints with the New England Patriots (2004-09), Baltimore Ravens (2010-17) and the Tennessee Titans (2018-19).
Terrell will be one of the players Pees relies on to not only lead his secondary but to be a playmaker week in and out. Even though Terrell has just one year of experience under his belt, he and Isaiah Oliver are the only two starters the Falcons have returning from last season in the secondary.
But as we saw from Terrell in his rookie season, it doesn't seem like there's many tasks he can't handle.
"I feel like this defense gives us a variety of things we can do," Terrell said. "Just very multiple, everyone is hands on and active in the defense."
The Atlanta Falcons have entered Phase III of the offseason and kicked off organized team activities on Tuesday.
during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Juwan Green #19 catches a ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
An Atlanta Falcons player participates in an agility drill during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 catches a ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #83 catches a ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Juwan Green #19 catches a ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #83 throws a ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 catches a ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 catches a ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Juwan Green #19 catches a ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 warms up during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 catches a ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 warms up during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 catches a ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Tony Brooks-James #36 warms up during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Rowland #12 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 adjusts his helmet during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Frank Darby #88 runs with the ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback AJ McCarron #5 throws the ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks to make a pass during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 catches a ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Antonio Nunn #86 catches a ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 throws a ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Antonio Nunn #86 catches a ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 throws a ball during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
A detail shot of Atlanta Falcons defensive back Delrick Abrams #25 smiling during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks to make a pass during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 shouts a play to his teammates during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback AJ McCarron #5 shouts a play during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
A detail shot of Atlanta Falcons safety JR Pace #41 standing during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive back T.J. Green #39 adjusts his helmet during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
The Atlanta Falcons defense runs during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
The Atlanta Falcons offense runs during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
The Atlanta Falcons offense runs during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil #64 works with offensive lineman Joe Sculthorpe #65 during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #83 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Greg Dortch #16 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #83 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Greg Dortch #16 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 looks on tight end Hayden Hurst #81 during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 works with running back Tony Brooks-James #36 during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons punter Dom Maggio #9 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Javian Hawkins #25 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons punter Sterling Hofrichter #4 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kobe Jones #49 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kobe Jones #49 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Alani Pututau #59 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 warms up during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Adetokunbo Ogundeji #92 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Josh Andrews #68 smiles during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kobe Jones #49 warms up during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons center Willie Wright #66 smiles during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Willie Beavers #72 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 suits up for organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 completing an agility drill during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 gestures during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
The Atlanta Falcons offense runs during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Joe Sculthorpe #65 works with offensive lineman Drew Dalman #67 during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 and wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 gesture during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 hydrates during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Tony Brooks-James #36 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
The offensive line works during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Frank Darby #88 smiles during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo #52 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Running back drills during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Tony Brooks-James #36 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Kendall Sheffield #20 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 makes a catch during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 looks on during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
A generic image of a player holding a helmet during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jaeden Graham #87 works with tight end John Raine #89 during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Darren Hall #34 in action during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 runs a drill during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 works with running back Tony Brooks-James #36 during organized team activities in Phase III of the Atlanta Falcons offseason program on May 25, 2021.
