Much of the modern NFL game is built around getting ball carriers to the perimeter and forcing smaller, less aggressive defenders to make tackles they aren't paid to make. Subsequently, there will always be a market for cornerbacks who are willing to get their hands dirty and physical enough to get away with it.
Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell has reliably filled that role for two seasons, holding down coverage responsibilities on the boundary and adding to the run defense when necessary. On Monday, he gave an update on his journey to the NFL.
Avieon Terrell announces NFL Draft decision
The Tigers will take on the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Pinstripe Bowl in a meeting of two underwhelming heavyweights. They may have to do so without Terrell.
The cornerback took to his Instagram to announce that he is declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.
"Thank you for welcoming me and supporting me from the moment I stepped on campus," he wrote. "As a kid I watched my older brother AJ dawn the orange, purple and white and set a standard for our family. Seeing how much this University shaped him I couldn't wait for my turn.
"Playing here at Clemson has been an incredible blessing, and I'm grateful for every memory, every challenge, and every opportunity this program has given me."
AJ Terrell turned his Clemson career into a first-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft and a second-team All-Pro season for the Atlanta Falcons. His younger brother has paved a similar path to Sundays.
Clemson junior CB Avieon Terrell announces on Instagram he is leaving school early for the 2026 NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/f7yX0BHvm6
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) December 8, 2025
Across his two seasons as a starter, Terrell made a living on the boundary, blending impressive coverage skills with profile-defining tenacity against the run. He logged 4.5 tackles for loss in each of the last two years and has a knack for finding the football. In 2025, he led the ACC with five forced fumbles, following three as a sophomore.
"To my teammates -- my brothers -- thank you for pushing me and standing with me through it all," he continued. "To my coaches -- thank you for believing in me and helping me grow as a player and as a man. To my family -- thank you for your love, sacrifice, and constant support. You are the foundation of everything I do."
MORE: How Clemson's Avieon Terrell became one of the nation's most feared cover corners
As for his NFL Draft aspirations, he is striking the iron while it's hot. Terrell is a projected first-round pick, albeit with room to fall given his 180-pound frame and non-elite speed. Adding more slot reps to his repertoire in 2025 opens the door for a transition inside at the next level, which would allow him to amplify his strengths as a run defender.
His future role isn't certain, but he'll end his junior campaign as the top corner on my board. His burst and change-of-direction skills resemble a high-level starter, he processes information well, and he has experience making plays in man and zone coverage. Throw in the versatility inside and against the run, and it's easy to see him making an impact, wherever he lands.
Terrell watched his older brother come off the board at No. 16. That's a reasonable projection for Clemson's best defensive back, and he'll have the rest of the pre-draft cycle to thrust himself into the top half of the first round.
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