2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Avieon Terrell (CB – Clemson)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Avieon Terrell

Avieon Terrell (CB – Clemson)

5’11” – 180 lbs.

Background

A four-star recruit out of the esteemed Westlake High School, he rotated into the defense as a freshman, finishing with 19 tackles, four breakups, and an interception before stepping into the starting lineup in 2024. Posted 58-4.5-1.0 with twelve breakups, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles that year, then 48-4.5-3.0 with nine breakups and five forced fumbles this past season. Brother is Falcons star cornerback A.J. Terrell.

Positives

Highly productive two-year starter with pro bloodlines, playing for a team well-regarded at the position. Typically lines up on the outside (field side), but slid into the slot a little bit this past year. Plays with plenty of physicality and swagger. Good pre-snap communicator who shows a lot of press looks pre-snap, but actually plays a fair amount of zone out of those, sometimes from a bail technique; also played well off the line, almost as more of a safety, when there wasn’t a second receiver to his side of the ball. Quick on his feet at the line to match releases from press coverage, with impressive acceleration and the speed to carry receivers downfield. Exhibits impressive balance and quickness in his backpedal. Shows loose hips and plays with a low center of gravity, so he doesn’t have to shift down much when he’s breaking. Makes clean transitions to planting and driving on spots, which, combined with his strong instincts/route recognition skills, allow him to undercut some throws. Processes route combinations quickly from zone, showing the ability to break off of his man in time to contest throws to other receivers. Shows good timing and technique to go for the breakup. Much more physical than his size would suggest, with the ability to deliver jarring hits or pry the ball free; has forced eight fumbles over the past two seasons. Shows good awareness when playing off of blocks. Has enjoyed success as a blitzer, especially this past season.

Negatives

Probably a tick smaller than ideal for the boundary, with a frame on the thinner side and length which looks closer to average, which can affect his ability to cover some bigger receivers. Could stand to flatten out a bit when working against routes breaking over the middle of the field, playing a bit conservatively there. Would like to see a bit more urgency in pursuit when he’s not being targeted; can sometimes appear to defer to other teammates in the area. Can get preoccupied with trying to rip the ball loose, rather than making the quick tackle to prevent yards after contact. Cut down penalties to two this past season, but was flagged seven times in 2024.

Summary

An instinctive field-side cornerback with a nice combination of quickness, acceleration, and burst, and who plays the game with a feisty, physical demeanor that will endear him to pro coaches. He’s at his best when processing and driving on spots from off-coverage, where his recognition skills and ability to deliver well-timed hits stand out. While he doesn’t have ideal size for the outside, he plays bigger than he looks and should become a solid starter sooner rather than later, whether on the boundary or in the slot. Looks likely to be a first-round pick.

Projection: Round 1