The Dallas Cowboys are entering a pivotal stretch in 2025, but it is the growing uncertainty in their secondary that has intensified attention on next year’s draft. With on-field struggles, off-field tension, and injuries clouding their defensive outlook, early projections point toward a potential long-term solution at cornerback.
As the pressure mounts, one rising prospect is generating momentum as a possible answer to their problems.
Could Avieon Terrell Be the Answer for the Cowboys’ Secondary?
Projections from PFSN’s Jacob Infante suggest that the Cowboys could use their first-round pick from the Green Bay Packers on Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, particularly after addressing edge rusher earlier in the round.
Infante describes Terrell as a polished defender with strong movement skills, reactive quickness, and the ability to stay attached to receivers in space. His 2024 season, which included multiple interceptions and double-digit pass breakups, showed consistent production and reliability within Clemson’s defense.
PFSN’s Ian Cummings expands on Terrell’s profile, noting that the young cornerback displays advanced fluidity, competitiveness in man coverage, and the versatility to play both outside and in the slot. Cummings ranks him inside his top 40 prospects and highlights his knack for forcing turnovers and disrupting plays at the catch point. While Terrell may lack elite size and speed measurables, his instincts, adaptability, and technique give him a notably high floor as a contributor ready for the NFL.
However, Cummings’ week-by-week evaluations also show how Terrell’s stock has fluctuated throughout the season. Against Duke, Terrell struggled with timing, anticipation, and route manipulation, resulting in occasional lapses in coverage. His limitations in recovery speed also became apparent, making certain downfield situations more challenging.
The very next week against Florida State, Terrell delivered one of his most complete performances of the year. He displayed sharper discipline, cleaner transitions, improved decision-making, and even contributed as a blitzer, showcasing his versatility and mental resilience. That rebound performance helped reestablish his standing as a potential first-round prospect.
The Cowboys’ projected interest in Terrell aligns with the uncertain future of Trevon Diggs. Once the team’s brightest ball hawk, Diggs has endured consecutive injury-plagued seasons and tension surrounding his rehab approach.
Internal frustration reportedly grew after he conducted rehab away from the team, resulting in financial penalties and questions about his relationship with the organization. Insider Bryan Broaddus also suggested that previous coaching dynamics may have allowed Diggs too much leeway, which added to the perception of internal strain.
Adding context to the Cowboys’ season, the PFSN Offense Impact metric gives the team a 3-5-1 record with an offensive impact score that is sixth in the league. Despite a respectable B grade, this reflects a team struggling to meet expectations. If the Cowboys decide a reset at cornerback is necessary, Avieon Terrell’s combination of versatility, competitiveness, and playmaking ability positions him as a logical fit in the 2026 NFL Draft.
