As the 2026 NFL season awaits its jumpstart, the draft speculation and advice are flowing wild. Veteran players, former coaches, and even insiders are naming their picks for teams. The Kansas City Chiefs had a terrible season in 2025 and need an upgrade. They failed to win the AFC West for the first time since 2015, missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, and finished 6-11.
Many attributed it to an injured Patrick Mahomes, who went off the field after a season-ending ACL tear in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers. But that is far from true. The team’s offensive line was a mess. It ranked No. 19 in the PFSN’s Team OL Impact metrics. So what does the team need?
Derek Carr Finds Trent McDuffie’s Replacement for The Chiefs in Avieon Terrell
Former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has brought a fresh perspective to the Chiefs, helping bolster their play. On his “Home Grown with David & Derek Carr” podcast, he made his choice for the team’s 2026 NFL Draft pick.
“I think that there’s a corner. I think that there’s a safety that we have to get our hands on. Now for me, I’m going corner. You just lost Trent McDuffie,” Carr said. “The one that I love, you guys might think I’m crazy, but Avieon Terrell. I love him, man. This is A.J. Terrell’s brother.”
Carr then went on to give a brief explanation of why he felt so:
“Now, I look at 5’11 180. Yeah. Okay. I see him making plays on the ball. Now, if you’re if there’s one person on the Clemson defense you’re not throwing at, it’s this guy. Didn’t get a lot of action. But what I what can I tell you that I love about him? And what can I tell you that I know that our friend Spags loves about corners? They got a tackle.”
“I see nothing but forced fumbles. I see a lot of solo tackles. I see a lot of forced fumbles recoveries. And I see a lot of uh on his film. He’s so sudden. He’s quick. You know, his brother played in the league. You know, he’s a smart kid.”
Avieon Terrell is an explosive option for any team looking to improve its safety situation. The best part is, he is way more than a position. PFSN’s prospect scouting report echoes Carr’s sentiment with this pick.
“With his fast feet, fluid mobility, recovery burst, and sound technique, Terrell can play press-man, flawlessly orient to WRs in off-man, and toggle through techniques, or manage route relationships in zone.”
His two-phase playmaking ability will be a valuable asset for the Chiefs. As put in the report:
“Terrell also has actionable slot-boundary versatility on day one, and he’s a true two-phase playmaker with ball skills against the pass and unique turnover-generating potential in run defense. An up-and-coming young player with an unnaturally high floor, Terrell has instant impact starter ability.”
Whether the Chiefs agree with Carr’s sentiment is a story for some other day, but the chances are high. Will it pan out as the veteran quarterback predicted?
