Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell received a bold draft projection.
Clemson Tigers star Avieon Terrell is entering the 2026 NFL Draft. Terrell played at a high level while with Clemson, establishing himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the upcoming draft.
In Bucky Brooks' most recent mock draft, Terrell is projected to land with the New York Jets with the 16th overall pick.
Terrell has been predicted to go in the middle-to-late first round to the early second round.
In his freshman season in 2023, he finished with 19 total tackles, four pass deflections, and an interception. He followed that up in a bigger role in 2024, as he had 58 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, a sack, 12 pass deflections, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Terrell was also impressive in the 2025 campaign, finishing with 48 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, nine pass deflections, five forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
He could be a solid fit for the Jets, who desperately need to improve their secondary. New York did not have an interception throughout the entire 2025 season and traded away Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts at the deadline.
Terrell would slot in as a starting corner on day one, helping to build up the defense for head coach Aaron Glenn. Prior to becoming New York's head coach, Glenn was a successful defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
Terrell is great at blitzing out of the nickel, showing the ability to make plays in the backfield and force fumbles. He is also quality in coverage, making him a good target for the Jets.
New York has added to their defense this offseason by signing linebacker Demario Davis, defensive tackle David Onyemata, and pass rushers Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare. They also traded for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat.
Terrell would join the overhauled defense as the Jets look to have a better season in 2026 after going just 3-14.
The Tigers will miss Terrell's presence on their defense as he was their best cornerback. Clemson needs to turn their program around with some of their top talent, like Terrell, off to the draft.
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