FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at University of Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Terrion Arnold
Terrion Arnold (CB – Alabama)
6’0″ – 196 lbs.
Background:
Four-star recruit who played wide receiver and safety in high school. Redshirted in 2021, then started seven of nine games played in 2022, including the season opener. Allowed 28/52 passing (53.8%) for 383 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and seven breakups in the 2022 season. Started at left cornerback in 2023 and allowed 41/79 (51.9%) for 441 yards, two touchdowns, five interceptions, and thirteen breakups.
Positives:
Twenty-one game starter for one of college football’s premier programs. Started at left cornerback, although he also took extensive snaps out of the slot, including this season. Often lined up in press-man looks, but played Alabama’s shuffle technique as well. Brings the type of swagger teams look for in the position. Fast, very flexible athlete who has the speed to carry receivers down the sidelines with ease. Good stop-and-start explosiveness to defend against double-moves. Sticky man-cover corner whose technique and feel for the position is very advanced given that he played other positions in high school. Uses his hands to feel routes developing and stay connected. Twitchy athlete who doesn’t waste a lot of motion at the stem and closes quickly when driving on a spot. Locates the football early and has the body control to make plays on the ball. Got his hands on a ton of throws this year and shows the ability to come down with the interception when the opportunity presents itself. Looks dangerous with the ball in his hands. Plays off of blocks well in the screen game and shows reliable open-field wrap tackling technique.
Negatives:
Teams tested him much more frequently than teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry, although that may be in part because most quarterbacks feel more comfortable throwing to their right. Frame is a bit on the thin side, although he does play the game with physicality. Alabama played their cornerbacks on sides, so we haven’t seen much of his footwork from the right side of the defense. Wasn’t really asked to backpedal during the games reviewed. Can be a little bit grabby down the field, which he often got away with in college but is flagged more often at the pro level.
Summary:
A prototypical man-cover prospect, with an impressive combination of confidence, speed, twitch, flexibility, and ball skills that could make him a number-one cornerback at the next level. His development trajectory has been very good over the past couple years, and consequently he looks like a strong bet to come off the board in the first round as one of the top three or four cornerbacks picked. Which Alabama corner goes first will depend on whether teams prefer Arnold’s tools or McKinstry’s relatively more refined technique and recognition skills.
Projection: Round 1
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