Former Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell distinguished himself as one of the best defensive players in the country last season. While the jury is still out on his exact draft pedigree, Terrell has been predicted to be a first-round pick in several mock drafts ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Despite not taking part in the measurables at the NFL Draft Combine, Terrell was one of the best on-field performers in Indianapolis.
Avieon Terrell Suffers Clemson Pro Day Setback
On Thursday, ESPN draft expert Jordan Reid revealed on X that Terrell did not take part in Clemson’s Pro Day due to a hamstring injury suffered at the combine and would instead work out for scouts later this month.
“Clemson CB Avieon Terrell will not participate in Pro Day today after suffering a minor hamstring injury while doing on-field drills at the combine, per sources. Terrell will have a workout for scouts on March 30th,” Reid tweeted.
The former four-star recruit, who is the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, finished his college football career with 125 tackles, 25 passes defended, 8 fumbles, 4 sacks, and 3 interceptions.
Analyst Links Terrell to the Steelers
In his latest mock draft after the former Clemson cornerback’s impressive performance at the NFL Draft Combine, PFSN analyst Austin Swaim predicted that the Pittsburgh Steelers would utilize their No. 21 pick on Terrell.
In Swaim’s mock draft, Terrell is the second cornerback off the board on draft night after former LSU Tigers star Mansoor Delane, predicted to be selected No. 11 overall by the Miami Dolphins.
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“The Mike McCarthy era could absolutely start with a selection on his side of the ball, but Avieon Terrell is a good answer as the Pittsburgh Steelers weigh need against the best available,” Swaim wrote. “Pittsburgh needs a corner opposite Joey Porter Jr., who isn’t always available or consistent, with Jalen Ramsey seemingly entrenched as a center-fielding safety.
“Terrell would fit the team’s defensive culture as a disruptive, physical grinder that forced five fumbles despite no interceptions last season. Despite the lack of picks, he deflected 9 passes and tracks the ball extremely well. This is the second of three likely first-round defenders from Clemson, all of whom are looking to shake off a dismal 2025 season.”
Last season, Terrell tallied 30 solo tackles, 5 forced fumbles, and 9 passes defended for the Tigers’ defensive unit that earned a PFSN’s CFB Defense Impact score of 82.3, the seventh best in the ACC.
