2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Terrion Arnold

Prospect Summary:

After redshirting for a season, Terrion ‘Ghost’ Arnold worked his way onto the field as a redshirt freshman in 2022, recording 45 tackles, an interception and eight passes defended. Arnold formed a nice trio with Kool-Aid McKinstry and safety/nickel corner Brian Branch. While McKinstry got more media hype, Arnold was the No. 1 corner for Alabama in 2023. McKinstry had zero interceptions, but Arnold created splash plays while being more consistent in coverage than McKinstry. In 2023, Arnold totaled 63 tackles, five interceptions and 12 passes broken up.

With his skill set, Arnold definitely has the physical tools to play in the NFL. He possesses quality size alongside good length to match up against big receivers. Beyond having size, Arnold displays good instincts and plays with good technique. Arnold has a burst to close when playing in zone, and he also is capable of playing press- or off-man coverage. Between his awareness, athleticism, height and length, Arnold has nice recoverability to make up ground if he gives up some separation. Arnold also shows quality route recognition and is smooth to run in coverage and stick with his assignment.

For big cornerbacks, a natural issue is stiffness, but Arnold is an excellent athlete with real twitch. He is fluid and loose, which lets him flip his hips to run with receivers. Arnold’s athleticism could be seen with how he would redirect and break on the ball over 2023. In his third season, Arnold showed impressive ball skills to make interceptions and slap passes away. His ball skills are a nice cherry on top for an athletic corner who could be very good in zone as a pro.

In coverage, Arnold needs to trigger faster and play with more confidence. He has a skill set and ability, but he could use more belief in his abilities to grow more confident.

The major concern with Arnold is his speed. Some team sources have said Arnold has everything you want in a corner except for being fast. Hence, Arnold could have issues on go routes and preventing pro receivers from beating him deep down the field. The lack of speed presents some limitations for man coverage and the type of receivers he can line up against. Arnold could be best off as a pro playing in a zone-based defense.

Arnold looks like he has the potential to be a solid starting corner at the next level. In the 2024 NFL Draft, Arnold could go be selected in the back half of the first round, and he should get snatched up quickly if he gets to the second round.