The 2025 season did not treat Clemson’s draft prospects kindly. A number of Clemson players were considered to be among the top prospects at their positions when the 2025 season started, including cornerback Avieon Terrell.
Avieon is the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, and was widely expected to follow in his brother’s footsteps as a first round selection. But much like many other Clemson prospects, Terrell didn’t play up to expectations last year and fell down draft boards.
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It didn’t help matters that Terrell injured a hamstring at some point during the draft process. That hampered his performance in testing at the Combine, Clemson’s Pro Day, and a private workout he organized for teams.
Still, however, Terrell’s tape is intriguing and he has the potential to be a playmaker at the next level.
The New York Giants could use help in their defensive secondary, so should Terrell be on their radar if the value happens to line up?
Prospect: Avieon Terrell (8)
Games Watched: vs. Georgia Tech (2025), vs. Louisville (2025), vs. South Carolina (2025)
Red flags: Hamstring (2026)
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Measurables
Strengths
Best traits
Avieon Terrell is a compact but highly physical and instinctive defensive back prospect.
Terrell is a smart defender who excels in off coverages, using his awareness, football IQ, and instincts to play much faster than he times. Terrell is an active communicator and does an excellent job of maintaining the structure of the coverage shell. He has solid eye discipline and seldom bites on play-fakes or misdirection, as well as cleanly executing his coverage responsibilities.
He typically diagnoses the offense quickly and accurately, and also possesses a very quick downhill trigger when playing in zone coverage. Terrell wastes no time closing on the ball once he diagnoses the play, and is utterly fearless in defending the run. Terrell is a very physical run defender who’s willing to take on bigger blockers as well as lay hits on ball carriers.
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Terrell typically takes smart, efficient angles to the ball that allow him to arrive quickly while still keeping the play in front of him. He positions himself well to make plays and is very disruptive at the point of attack. While he only has 3 interceptions in his career, he excels at knocking the ball away or separating the ball from ball carriers. Terrell has mastered the “Peanut Punch” and does a great job of timing his attempts to strip the football.
Finally, he is also a useful piece for a blitzing defense. Terrell times his rushes well and is athletic (and physical) enough to slip blockers on his way to pressuring the quarterback. He’s a real factor behind the line of scrimmage, racking up 4.5 tackles for a loss and 3.0 sacks last year.
Weaknesses
Worst traits
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Terrell has a few weaknesses that will limit his appeal, as well as how he may play at the NFL level.
First and foremost, Terrell is an undersized defensive back at 5-foot-11, 186 pounds, though he has solid arm length for his size. He simply lacks the size and mass to consistently match up with bigger receivers, which could lead to problems in tight coverage. He doesn’t have the mass to effectively jam at the line of scrimmage, and tall receivers can high-point the ball over him down the field.
Terrell also shows some hip stiffness that can make it difficult to stay in phase throughout routes or carry his speed vertically. He turns from the ankles, as opposed to opening or flipping his hips, which can lead to awkward and elongated turns when transitioning from his backpedal to running down the field.
Similarly, Terrell doesn’t appear to be an overall great athlete for the position. Even accounting for the nagging hamstring injury which hampered his testing, he doesn’t appear fast or explosive on tape
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Game Tape
(Terrell is the Clemson cornerback wearing number 8 with sleeves on both arms.)
Projection
Avieon Terrell projects as a high-volume nickel defender at the NFL level.
Terrell’s evaluation and draft stock will likely vary widely depending on the team viewing him. Some teams will be turned off by his athletic profile, while others will see a versatile playmaker. Terrell plays the game almost like a linebacker trapped in a cornerback’s body, which could even lead some teams to use him as more of a “defensive weapon” than a traditional cornerback. His highest ceiling may be in a role similar to that played by Tyrann Mathieu for the Arizona Cardinals. That would allow Terrell to rely on his instincts and physicality to be disruptive while not fitting into traditional cornerback or safety roles.
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Terrell has been considered a first round prospect in the past and a team could well take him in later in the first. However the questions about his athletic profile or position in the NFL could make a Day 2 selection more likely.
Does he fit the Giants? Probably not
Final Word: A late first or second round pick.
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