Clemson Star Projected To Land With Pittsburgh Steelers in NFL Draft

Clemson Tigers star Avieon Terrell is one of the top cornerbacks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. 

In CBS Sports' latest mock draft, they have Terrell landing with the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 21st overall pick.

Terrell would be a quality addition to the Steelers' secondary. He had a great career at Clemson. 

In his freshman season, he had 19 total tackles, four pass deflections, and an interception. He followed that up in the 2024 season with 58 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, a sack, 12 passes defended, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

Terrell had another standout season in 2025, finishing with 48 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, nine passes defended, an interception, five forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

He was named to the All-ACC First Team for his impressive junior season. Terrell could thrive in the slot at the next level, but could also be solid on the outside. 

He could be a long-term fit for the Steelers, who have an older secondary led by Jalen Ramsey.

For Clemson, losing Terrell to the NFL Draft is tough for the program. He was one of their best defensive players and one of the few bright spots in an underwhelming season.

The Tigers went just 7-6, losing to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl. Head coach Dabo Swinney will have his work cut out for him to replace Terrell and other players going off to the NFL, like Peter Woods.

The team underperformed, as they entered the 2025 season as expected contenders for the College Football Playoff. However, Clemson fell way short, not even making it to the ACC Title Game.

Swinney now has the tall task of finding suitable replacements for players like Terrell and Woods while improving as a whole to get back to contending for a National Championship.

Terrell will join his brother, AJ Terrell, in the NFL and look to build on the success he had at Clemson. He will likely be a first-round pick, and a team like the Steelers could be a great landing spot.

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