After falling to the second round, Avieon Terrell joins his brother in Atlanta, threatening Mike Hughes’ starting role as the Falcons prioritize their high-stakes investment in camp.
The Clemson Tigers 2026 NFL Draft class was one of the best in recent memory, tying a program record in the modern era.
Nine players were taken in the first 175 picks (first five rounds). Arguably the lone Tigers player who had a disappointing draft was cornerback Avieon Terrell, who was expected to be a first-round pick but dropped in Day 2 before he was taken by the Atlanta Falcons with pick No. 48.
Ben Solak of ESPN believes the arrival of Terrell has put veteran cornerback Mike Hughes on the bench.
"Atlanta added an immediate contender for Hughes' job in Avieon Terrell, the younger brother of incumbent star A.J. Terrell Jr. The younger Terrell is not a one-for-one replacement for Hughes, as he's a smaller player who might be better destined for the slot.
"But 2025 fourth-rounder Billy Bowman Jr. was strong in the slot before a devastating torn Achilles during a November walkthrough. If Bowman isn't back to form, Avieon Terrell might instead man the nickel position and keep Hughes in the starting lineup in 2026."
Atlanta entered the draft needing help at receiver, defensive line, and linebacker. Terrell might have been the best player available on the board for Atlanta at No. 48, and could be someone who the Falcons want to show off right away.
"But Terrell was the earliest pick the Falcons had in the 2026 draft, and they had other more pressing needs on the table -- that's difficult to ignore," Solak wrote. This isn't some Round 4 toolsy prospect.
"This was a top-50 pick with already a ton of internal buy-in given his family name. I won't be surprised when Terrell and Hughes are rotating first-team snaps in camp."
Solak noted that Hughes underperformed in 2025, coming off a three-year deal he signed with Atlanta after a solid season. Hughes battled neck and ankle injuries, which could be another thing to keep an eye on this offseason as Terrell battles for a spot in a talented secondary.
The Falcons selected Terrell to be the future of the position. Hughes will need to fight to make the job his for one more year.