This Clemson Tigers star is being compared to one of the most ferocious NFL players in recent memory.
Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell is becoming more and more popular the closer we get to the NFL Draft.
Earlier in the 2025 season, Terrell was viewed by many as a Day 2 pick, but thanks to another tremendous campaign, the 21-year-old has been rocketing up draft boards and is now a consensus first-round selection.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic recently ranked the top 100 players in this year's NFL Draft class, and he had Terrell ranked at No. 18.
"Terrell is a fluid, easy mover with light footwork in his pedal and read-and-drive reactions," Brugler wrote. "He crowds receivers up and down the field and displays instinctive qualities to find and play the football."
Brugler also provided a head-turning comparison for the star defender: former safety Tyrann Mathieu.
"You would have liked to see more interceptions from him, but he posted impactful production the past two seasons (combined 25 passes defended, eight forced fumbles) and plays with a 'Honey Badger' aura," Brugler added.
Avieon Terrell. Credit: GREENVILLE NEWS-USA TODAY Network.Mathieu played in the NFL from 2013 through 2024 and established himself as one of the best defensive backs in the league throughout that time period.
The LSU product made three Pro Bowls while earning three First-Team All-Pro selections during his career and was known for being a hard hitter with a non-stop motor. And that was in spite of being undersized at 5-foot-9, 190 pounds.
Terrell faces the same issue, as he stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 180 pounds. That would have been standard size for a cornerback in previous eras, but the NFL has now trended toward larger corners and defensive backs to cover bigger receivers.
The good news is that Terrell compensates for his lack of size with his ferocity and his will, which is a big reason why he was able to force so many fumbles at Clemson.
In a draft class that includes fellow star corners like Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy, Terrell may very well end up being the best of the bunch due much in part to the tenacious way he plays the game.
It would be surprising if Terrell didn't carve out some sort of regular role in the NFL, even if he doesn't become a star.
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