The Atlanta Falcons are going to have this rookie play a key role right away.
The Atlanta Falcons are less than two weeks away from the start of the season, and while everyone is focused on the quarterback battle, there are other final decisions being made in the starting lineup as well.
One area where folks were focused headed into training camp is the cornerback room, and while A.J. Terrell was of course going to lock up one of the spots, who would be starting opposite of him was the big question. While that may not exactly have an answer just yet, it sounds like the starting nickel spot is going to be operated by his younger brother.
According to a report from Daniel Flick of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, second-round pick Avieon Terrell is in line for a starting role and it's being zeroed in at the nickel slot.
Avieon Terrell Will Start for Falcons as Slot Corner
"I love it," Terrell said on the nickel position. "A nickel is everything. I feel like when you’re a nickel, you’re (also) a safety, a corner. So, it’s just fun."
While nickel goes by many names including slot cornerback and at the college level often referred to as a star position, they all essentially do the same thing. Terrell will be responsible for usually guarding the slot receiver when three are on the field as well as providing run support as well as blitzing.
Coming out of the draft, Terrell -- who played both inside and outside at the college level for the Clemson Tigers -- was lauded for his versatility, but his frame may make him an absolutely ideal fit to play the nickel at the NFL level.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 180 pounds, Terrell is a bit smaller than his older brother and would be an undersized outside corner if he was asked to move into that role.
Ultimately, this defense will likely have a need for him to do a little bit of everything, however nickel is clearly what the younger Terrell is most suited for. He has done everything the staff has asked of him since being drafted though, and no matter what role it's in, he will be a significant part of this defense.
When Atlanta takes the field in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, fans can count on the fact that Terrell will be a major factor every time the Falcons are trying to stop the Pittsburgh offense.
