Despite his impressive stats, one Clemson corner's slender frame sparks NFL draft debate. Will teams overlook size for playmaking prowess?
A 7-6 record might suggest Clemson was devoid of star talent in 2025.
But the disappointing record doesn't tell the full story of the Tigers’ collapse last season. Poor coaching and a lack of elite transfer additions doomed Dabo Swinney's program.
The talent was there. Clemson could have three Day 1 picks in April via offensive lineman Blake Miller, defensive lineman Peter Woods and cornerback Avieon Terrell.
Mike Renner of CBS Sports thinks Terrell will be the final Clemson player in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He projected the Los Angeles Rams to select the young cornerback with the No. 29 pick.
However, he has a concern about the size of the five-foot-11, 180-pound athlete. (Terrell's brother, A.J. Terrell, is a six-foot-one, 200-pound cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons.)
"Terrell's size will scare off some teams, but not the Rams, who historically don't operate on strict thresholds," Renner wrote.
"The younger brother of Falcons corner A.J. Terrell shows similar proficiency, with physical play and quick processing. That's just what the Rams need."
The Rams secondary was exposed in a 31-27 loss in the NFC Championship Game to the Seattle Seahawks in January.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns before leading the team to a win over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Los Angeles needs to be better on defense if it wants to make the Super Bowl next season. Terrell could be an option that helps the Rams secondary.
Darnold was held in check during the first three quarters of the Super Bowl by Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
The six-foot-1, 205-pound athlete was able to cover the Seahawks’ explosive receiver corps and make diving plays to keep touchdowns from being scored early in the game.
Terrell would need considerable development to be on par with Gonzalez, quickly becoming one of the best cornerbacks in the league.
Still, Terrell has the skillset to be a dangerous player in the league because of his versatility.
Terrell finished the 2025 campaign with 48 total tackles, five forced fumbles, three sacks and nine passes defensed.