By J.T.
Photo Credit- Alabama Athletics
At Draft 412, the NFL draft talk never ends. We will keep you ready for the next set of gridiron stars—from today and all the way until draft night 2024. We will bring you mock drafts, player profiles, individual team needs, and everything else you may need related to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Today’s Spotlight - Alabama, Cornerback, Terrion Arnold
Name- Terrion Arnold
Pos- Cornerback
Team- Alabama
HT/WT- 6’0” 196 lbs
Born- N/A
Home – Tallahassee, FL
Arnold was a standout basketball and football player at John Paul II Catholic School in Tallahassee, Florida, where he was one of the top football recruits in the country, given a 5-star rating by 247Sports. He committed to Alabama over in-state schools like Florida, Miami and Florida State.
As a freshman in 2021, Arnold didn’t see any action for the Crimson Tide and ended redshirting. Last season Arnold broke onto the scene playing in 11 games, starting 7 of those contests and collected 45 tackles, 8 passes defended and 1 interception. For his play in 2022 he was named to the Freshman All-American Team, emerging on NFL scouting radars.
This season Arnold has started all 8 games and has already accrued 40 tackles, 1 sack and 1 interception. More importantly, he’s considered a top 5 cornerback by most draft pundits heading into next year’s selection process.
Arnolds, as a prospect, brings the “whole tool set” that NFL teams look for in their cornerbacks. He’s got the length to keep receivers within reach at all times, the athleticism to close, and he’s a big play waiting to happen. Arnold always seems to be around the ball whether an offense is running or throwing. He is a fierce hitter, plays downhill and his straight line speed is exceptional. He can lay back on receivers or he can press, and uses his fluid hips to mirror receivers in and out of breaks.
There isn’t much “not to like” about Arnold’s play but there are areas he needs to improve. He is not as fluid moving backward as he is forward, and if he gets matched up against an elite straight-line speed receiver it could throw him off balance. He does a good job of mirroring receivers in route, but lacks the route recognition of other top cornerback prospects in this draft. He loves to sell out for a big hit, and as a result can be baited into a play action from time to time.
A very good comparison for Arnold is his former teammate and current Detroit Lion, Brian Branch. Branch was an early 2nd round pick last year and both can play either corner and safety. Arnold probably won’t go as high as Branch, but will be a 2nd day draft choice.
Strengths
Length
Straight line speed
Run tackling
Versatility in set up/Safety
Weaknesses
Over aggressive at times
Back pedal
Matchup issues- faster receivers
Final Analysis
Terrion Arnold didn’t take long to show the college football world what he can bring to the table after redshirting 2 seasons ago. He has the skillsl and tenacity to be a starting cornerback in the NFL and will be selected on day 2, becoming an immediate contributor.
Draft 412 Draft Prediction - 2nd or 3rd round