Avieon Terrell — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Terrell is a sticky, man-cover cornerback with the ability to irritate at the catchpoint and play inside or outside.

The Steelers have one emerging star cornerback in Joey Porter Jr. but need to upgrade from free agents James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr. at the opposite spot. The younger brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr., Avieon Terrell is a savvy cover man with fantastic short-area quickness and fast eyes. He's an ultra-athletic, fluid mover with the hips, quickness and press-man prowess to be a solid starter immediately, especially in a defense that can pressure the quarterback and create flip-the-field opportunities for defensive backs.

Yes, quarterback will absolutely be a discussion point here, but Pittsburgh has to learn from the Kenny Pickett selection in 2022 and not force a pick based on need.

Terrell has NFL bloodlines -- his brother is former first-round pick A.J. Terrell. Avieon plays bigger than his listed size (see his matchup in 2024 against former Stanford WR Eric Ayomanor). He can stay in phase on vertical routes, has good ball skills and will try to bait QBs into making throws. In run support, he plays outside CB like a strong safety.

ACC offenses wisely stayed away from Terrell this year, but that didn't limit his impact. The younger brother of Falcons starter A.J. Terrell, Avieon didn't record an interception but broke up nine passes and forced five fumbles. His play is reminiscent of former LSU and NFL star Tyrann Mathieu.

Adding a playmaking cover corner to replace impending free agent Adoree' Jackson in a lineup that features Quinyon Mitchell at CB1 and Cooper DeJean as the nickel should solidify the Eagles' defensive backfield.

Terrell teams up with Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell to give the Eagles the best young secondary in the NFL. The former Clemson Tiger can play inside or outside.